What is Orbital Cellulitis?
Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissue and muscle of the eye socket. Unlike periorbital cellulitis which involves only the superficial skin around the eye and the eyelid, and does not involve the eyeball, orbital cellulitis is a very serious condition that can lead to vision loss and can be fatal if untreated.
The most common cause of orbital cellulitis is a sinus infection that spreads to the eye. Less commonly, it can also follow trauma to the eye, a blocked tear duct, and infections of the teeth, middle ear, or face.
Symptoms can include:
- Redness/swelling around the eye
- Fever
- Pain with eye movement
- Protrusion of the eye from the socket
- Double or blurry vision
- Paralysis/weakness of the eye muscles
Orbital Cellulitis Diagnosis and Treatment
Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications such as vision loss, brain infections, and death. Diagnosis is made after a clinical exam followed by imaging, usually a CT or MRI.
It is treated with antibiotics administered intravenously. If significant improvement is seen, antibiotics can be switched to oral. In some circumstances, in addition to antibiotics, surgery is required to clear the infection.
See a doctor in person if…
- Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency. If suspected, your child should be evaluated in the emergency room immediately.