What should you know about preseptal and orbital cellulitis?

Preseptal cellulitis affects tissues in front of the eye socket and can cause eyelid redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling. Orbital cellulitis involves tissues within the socket and may cause pain when moving the eye, reduced vision, double vision, a bulging eye, or restricted eye movement. [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/), [Skin Swelling](/symptoms/skin-swelling/), and [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) can occur with either infection, so examination is needed to tell them apart.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for suspected cellulitis around the eye. Treatment may require antibiotics, and deeper infection may need hospital care, imaging, or specialist monitoring. Do not squeeze the swollen area or rely on leftover medicine. Tell the clinician about sinus symptoms, recent injury, insect bites, skin infection, or conditions such as [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/) and [Type 2 Diabetes](/conditions/type-2-diabetes/), which may affect infection risk or treatment decisions.

Go to emergency care for vision change, double vision, pain with eye movement, a bulging eye, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, marked drowsiness, or rapidly worsening swelling. Fever with severe illness can signal spread beyond the local area, including [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/), and should not be watched at home.

Does the infection involve the eyelid tissues or the eye socket? Is my vision or eye movement affected? Do I need imaging, hospital treatment, or an eye specialist? Which changes should prompt immediate return?