Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues behind the orbital septum and around the eye. It is a medical emergency that can threaten sight and general health if not treated quickly.
How orbital cellulitis presents
The infection often spreads from the sinuses or from trauma. It causes marked swelling and affects eye movement and sometimes vision.
- Symptoms include severe eyelid swelling, deep eye pain, and redness.
- Eye movements may be painful or limited.
- Vision can become blurred or reduced.
- Fever and feeling very unwell are common.
- Children are affected more often but adults can also develop this condition.
Urgent treatment
Immediate hospital admission is required for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring. Delay can lead to abscess formation, vision loss, or spread to the brain.
- Scans such as CT or MRI help assess sinuses and orbital tissues.
- Surgery may be needed to drain abscesses or clear sinus infection.
- Eye specialists and ear, nose, and throat surgeons usually work together.
- Early treatment often restores full function, but follow-up is essential.
- Any suspected orbital cellulitis should be treated as an emergency.
