Preseptal cellulitis is the inflammation of the eyelid, skin and tissues in front of the eyeball. It is also known as periorbital cellulitis.
Orbital cellulitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of the orbital (eye socket) structures around and behind the eyeball such as fat and tissues.
The two infections are often confused with each other because their signs and similar are almost the same.
Orbital cellulitis, however, is a serious infection that can spread to the brain and cause damage if not managed properly. Symptoms include pain, redness, swollen eye, bulging eyeball and restricted eye movement.
The symptoms of preseptal cellulitis are milder and there is no bulging of the eye or restriction of eye movement.
