Orbital and periorbital cellulitis: what to know

Periorbital cellulitis affects the eyelid and skin around the eye. Orbital cellulitis involves tissues within the eye socket, behind the protective membrane around the eye. Both can cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, but pain when moving the eye, reduced vision, double vision, a bulging eye, or restricted eye movement raises concern for orbital disease.

The infection may follow a nearby skin wound, sinus infection, or another source. Conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of serious infection. This is different from a minor eyelid irritation and should not be treated by squeezing or applying leftover medication. See [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) for related information.

Anyone with suspected orbital cellulitis needs emergency medical assessment, usually in a hospital. Clinicians may examine vision and eye movement, check for a source, and use imaging or blood tests when needed. Treatment commonly involves prescription antibiotics and monitoring; drainage or specialist care may be required if an abscess or deeper source is present. Do not delay care while trying home remedies or waiting for swelling to settle.

Go to an emergency department immediately for fever with eye swelling, pain on eye movement, reduced or blurred vision, double vision, a bulging eye, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or rapidly worsening redness and swelling. Call emergency services for collapse, breathing difficulty, or marked drowsiness. These symptoms can signal spread toward the brain, loss of vision, or sepsis.

Ask whether the infection is limited to the skin around the eye or involves the orbit, what examinations or scans are needed, which antibiotic plan is prescribed, and which changes require immediate return.