What symptom is typically seen with pre-septal cellulitis?

Pre-septal cellulitis, also known as periorbital cellulitis, primarily affects the eyelid and surrounding skin. One of the most notable symptoms associated with this condition is the presence of fever and irritability, particularly in children. This reaction can stem from the body's inflammatory response to the infection.

Children may exhibit irritability due to discomfort or pain as the infection progresses, making them more fussy or difficult to console. Additionally, fever indicates that the body is fighting off an infection, which is a common response not only in pre-septal cellulitis but also in many other pediatric infections.

In contrast, other symptoms listed, such as extreme sensitivity to light, sudden onset of blindness, and severe headache, are more indicative of other conditions, such as posterior uveitis, retinal detachment, or intracranial complications. Therefore, the presence of fever and irritability is the most distinctive symptom for pre-septal cellulitis, particularly in the pediatric population.