---
title: Orbital cellulitis
description: "[Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/what-is-orbital-cellulitis/) 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…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/orbital-cellulitis/"
updated: "2026-01-22"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Orbital cellulitis

[Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/what-is-orbital-cellulitis/) 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.