Periorbital cellulitis (also called preseptal cellulitis) is an infection of the eyelid and area around the eye caused by bacteria (a type of germ). It causes swelling and redness of the eyelid, and sometimes fever and eye discomfort. When treated with antibiotics, the infection usually improves quickly. But it's important to watch carefully for signs that the infection isn't getting better or has spread. Follow these instructions to care for your child.

• Be sure your child takes the antibiotic exactly as prescribed. If they skip doses, the infection may get worse. And if they stop the antibiotics early, the infection may not be fully treated and may come back.
• If your child is uncomfortable from pain or fever, and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Follow up as instructed so your health care provider can make sure the infection is healing.

• The redness, swelling, and fever (if present) don't get better within 24 hours after your child starts the antibiotic.
• Your child has a new or worsening fever.
• Your child's eye heals completely, but then they get redness and swelling of the eyelid again.

Your child:

• has pain when moving the eye, trouble moving the eye, double vision or other changes in vision, or bulging of the eye
• has worsening redness or swelling of the eyelid
• seems to be getting sicker

What causes periorbital cellulitis? Although the cause is not always known, it may happen after a:

• scratch or bug bite around the eye
• cold (upper respiratory infection)
• sinus infection

What problems can happen? Rarely, periorbital cellulitis can lead to a deeper infection of the eye called orbital cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis causes pain with eye movement, bulging of the eye, and vision changes. Without treatment, it can lead to vision problems and blindness.