Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues within the bony orbit surrounding the eye. It can threaten vision and, rarely, life if not treated promptly.
Causes and Symptoms
It often arises from spread of infection from the sinuses, eyelids, or bloodstream. Symptoms include painful eye movements, swollen red lids, fever, reduced vision, and sometimes double vision or protrusion of the eye.
- More common in children but can affect any age
- Distinguishing from preseptal cellulitis is crucial
- Usually requires hospital admission
Treatment
Management involves urgent intravenous antibiotics, imaging to assess the orbit and sinuses, and sometimes surgical drainage of abscesses. Close monitoring of vision and eye movements is essential.
Further Information
Although detailed orbital surgery information is beyond this micro page, related oculoplastic procedures are described on Blue Fin Vision®’s oculoplastic surgery resources, and general eye infection advice appears across the knowledge base.
