Preseptal Cellulitis

Preseptal cellulitis is an infection that affects the tissues around the eye, specifically the eyelid and skin in front of the eye socket. It involves the soft tissues but does not spread to the eye itself or the area behind the eye. This condition mainly affects the skin and eyelid, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It can make it difficult to open the eye fully and may cause warmth in the affected area. The infection usually results from bacteria entering through a cut, insect bite, or nearby sinus infection. Although it can be serious, it is generally less dangerous than infections that involve the eye socket or brain.

Preseptal cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the eyelid and periorbital soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum. It is most commonly caused by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, often following local trauma, insect bites, or contiguous spread from adjacent structures like the paranasal sinuses. The condition is characterized by eyelid erythema, edema, and tenderness without involvement of the orbit or ocular structures. It is important to distinguish it from orbital cellulitis, which involves the tissues posterior to the orbital septum and carries a higher risk of complications such as vision loss and intracranial spread. The major clinical significance lies in its potential to progress to orbital cellulitis if untreated, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.