periorbitales

Periorbitales, or the periorbital region, refers to the area surrounding the eye socket (orbit). This includes the eyelids, the surrounding soft tissues, the medial and lateral canthi, and portions of the forehead and cheek. In anatomical terms, the periosteum of the orbital bones (the periorbita) forms a key boundary within the orbit, separating deeper orbital contents from the adjacent soft tissues.

Anatomically, the periorbital region contains structures such as the eyelids and their glands, the lacrimal apparatus, and the orbital septum, along with adipose tissue and connective tissues that cushion the eye. The boundary between the periorbita and the deeper orbital interior is clinically important when assessing infections and inflammation.

Clinically, periorbital involvement most often presents as edema and swelling of the eyelids. This can arise from benign causes such as allergies or fluid retention, or from inflammatory or infectious processes. A common distinction is between preseptal (periorbital) cellulitis, an infection of the eyelids and surrounding tissues anterior to the orbital septum, and orbital cellulitis, which involves the contents within the orbit and may present with pain on eye movement, ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, and vision changes. The latter is a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and often intravenous antibiotics and imaging.

Diagnosis relies on history and exam, with imaging—typically CT or MRI—used when orbital involvement is suspected or to assess complications such as abscess. Treatment varies by cause: antibiotics for bacterial infections, targeted therapy for allergic or inflammatory swelling, and supportive care for edema. Early recognition of orbital involvement is crucial to prevent vision loss and other complications.