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Periorbital cellulitis

Periorbital cellulitis

Overview

Periorbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which may progress to orbital cellulitis with protrusion of the eyeball. Complications include meningitis.

Review Date 12/13/2025

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.