Preseptal and orbital cellulitis in otherwise healthy children and youth.

Preseptal (periorbital) and orbital cellulitis are important soft tissue infections in children and youth. Left untreated, these infections can result in severe complications including vision loss and meningitis. Children with severe infections should be admitted to hospital for diagnostic testing, antimicrobial therapy, and specialty consultation, with select cases requiring surgical intervention. This practice point offers practical clinical guidance for the management of otherwise healthy children and youth who present with suspected preseptal or orbital cellulitis.