What is orbital cellulitis

This condition is less serious than orbital cellulitis but still requires immediate treatment. In this article, we discuss the symptoms and causes of orbital cellulitis. We also cover the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of this condition.

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the fat and muscle tissues within the eye socket, or orbit. The infection causes inflammation that can push the eye out of the socket. Pain, swelling, and proptosis, which is the protrusion or forward displacement of the eye, are common symptoms of orbital cellulitis.

The main cause of orbital cellulitis is sinusitis , which is an infection of the sinuses. Research suggests that up to 86—98 percent of people with orbital cellulitis also have sinusitis. Without treatment, sinus infections can spread to the fat and muscle surrounding the eye socket. Bacteria such as the Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci species are the most common cause of orbital cellulitis.

Minor infections of the eyelid can also spread to the back of the eye, causing orbital cellulitis. Less commonly, bacterial infections in other parts of the body can travel through the bloodstream into the eye socket. It is vital that anyone with symptoms of orbital cellulitis sees a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is crucial for preventing severe complications. An ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in the eyes, will usually carry out the exam.

The ophthalmologist will check for physical signs of an infection of the eye socket, such as redness, swelling, pain, and fever. They may then order other tests to help determine the extent of the infection and the appropriate course of treatment. They will then analyze these samples to determine what kind of germ is causing the infection. These tests allow a healthcare professional to evaluate how far the infection has spread and to check for complications involving the brain or central nervous system.

Orbital cellulitis infections can spread quickly and cause serious complications, so immediate treatment is essential. The standard treatment options for orbital cellulitis are antibiotics and surgery. After diagnosing orbital cellulitis, a healthcare professional is likely to recommend immediate treatment with antibiotics.

They usually administer these antibiotics continuously through an intravenous line. Discover multiple causes of watery eyes, from weather conditions to producing too many tears.

Also find out when to seek treatment. Eye infections are pretty common and easy to spot. You may notice everything from redness, itching, and swelling, to pain and blurry vision. Phlegmon is a medical term describing an inflammation of soft tissue that spreads under the skin or inside the body.

Anthropophobia is a fear of people. Typically, a fear of people is associated with…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What to Know About Orbital Cellulitis. Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Recovery time When to see a doctor Takeaway Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues and fat that hold the eye in its socket.

Recovery time. When to see a doctor. The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Why Are My Eyes Watering? Eye Cold: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. It is now rare due to a vaccine that helps prevent this infection. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and beta-hemolytic streptococci may also cause orbital cellulitis.

Orbital cellulitis infections in children may get worse very quickly and can lead to blindness. Medical care is needed right away. In most cases, a hospital stay is needed.

Treatment most often includes antibiotics given through a vein. Surgery may be needed to drain the abscess or relieve pressure in the space around the eye. An orbital cellulitis infection can get worse very quickly. A person with this condition must be checked every few hours. Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.

Call your health care provider if there are signs of eyelid swelling, especially with a fever. Getting scheduled HiB vaccine shots will prevent the infection in most children. Young children who share a household with a person who has this infection may need to take antibiotics to avoid getting sick.

Prompt treatment of a sinus or dental infection may prevent it from spreading and becoming orbital cellulitis.