Periorbital cellulitis

Alternative names:

presental cellulitis

Definition:

An acute infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, including the fat pads behind the eyeball. Unlike orbital cellulitis which actually involves the orbit, periorbital cellulitis does not cause protrusion of the eyeball (proptosis) or limit movements of the eyeball. However, periorbital cellulitis may progress to orbital cellulitis if left untreated. See orbital cellulitis.