What is the medical term for an abscess of the upper eyelid that does not involve the lash line?

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From the Guidelines

The medical term for an abscess of the upper eyelid that does not involve the lash line is a preseptal cellulitis or an abscess of the eyelid, but more specifically, it can be referred to as a hordeolum internum or an internal hordeolum if it is an abscess, however, the term that best fits this description is preseptal abscess or eyelid abscess. When considering the diagnosis of an abscess of the upper eyelid that does not involve the lash line, it is crucial to differentiate between preseptal and postseptal infections, as the latter can have severe complications, including vision loss, as noted in the study by 1. Key characteristics of preseptal cellulitis include infection confined to the eyelids and soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum, which can be caused by percutaneous introduction of the infectious pathogen or secondary to sinusitis or odontogenic in origin, as mentioned in the study by 1. Some important points to consider in the diagnosis and management of preseptal abscess or eyelid abscess include:

  • Clinical findings alone may not be specific enough to distinguish preseptal from orbital infections or those with complications, as indicated by 1.
  • The primary role of imaging is to differentiate preseptal cellulitis from postseptal cellulitis and abscess, and to identify underlying sinusitis and intracranial complications of orbital infections, as stated in the study by 1.
  • Treatment of preseptal abscess or eyelid abscess typically involves antibiotics and may require surgical intervention, such as incision and drainage, depending on the severity of the infection and the presence of any complications. It is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when managing preseptal abscess or eyelid abscess, and to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, as the study by 1 highlights the potential for severe complications if left untreated.

From the Research

Medical Term for Abscess of Upper Eyelid

The medical term for an abscess of the upper eyelid that does not involve the lash line is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, based on the information given, we can consider the following points:

  • An abscess of the upper eyelid can be related to preseptal cellulitis, which is an infectious process limited to the eyelids in the preseptal region 2.
  • Preseptal cellulitis can be caused by various factors, including sinusitis, and can lead to the formation of an abscess 2, 3.
  • The term "hordeolum" is not mentioned in the provided studies, but it is a general term used to describe an abscess of the eyelid, which can be further classified into internal and external hordeolum 2, 3.
  • It is essential to distinguish between preseptal and orbital cellulitis, as the latter is a more severe condition that can have serious complications 2, 4, 5.

Key Points to Consider

  • The provided studies discuss various aspects of eyelid and orbital infections, including preseptal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, and lacrimal gland abscesses 2, 4, 6, 5, 3.
  • The studies highlight the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of these conditions to prevent serious complications 2, 4, 6, 5, 3.
  • The medical term for an abscess of the upper eyelid that does not involve the lash line is not explicitly stated, but it can be related to preseptal cellulitis or hordeolum.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Periorbital cellulitis.

Head & neck surgery, 1987

Research

Eyelid abscess as a presenting sign of occult sinusitis.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2005

Research

An orbital abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis.

Ophthalmic surgery and lasers, 1997

Research

Preseptal and orbital cellulitis in a developing country.

Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 2007

Research

Lacrimal gland abscess presenting with preseptal cellulitis depicted on CT.

Journal of ophthalmic inflammation and infection, 2016

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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