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What is Orbital Cellulitis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the eye and the orbit, the underlying structure in the eye socket which supports the eye. A closely related conditions, periorbital cellulitis, involves the tissue around the eye, including the eyelid. Both conditions are considered urgent emergencies which require prompt medical attention to avoid potential complications. Left untreated, orbital cellulitis can contribute to the development of several conditions, including meningitis, which can be deadly.

This condition is caused by an infection in or around the eye with a bacterium such as Staph. Trauma or recent surgery can be risk factors, as can a history of sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses. Orbital cellulitis is usually diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and medical tests such as bacterial cultures of the fluid draining from the eye, or medical imaging to visualize the eye in the socket. Typically an ophthalmologist will be consulted before a final diagnosis is made, to ensure that any similar conditions are ruled out.

Symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include red eyes.
Symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include red eyes.

Orbital and periorbital cellulitis are treated with antibiotics, which may be infused for rapid effect. In some cases, surgery may also be required to relieve pressure on the eye and to drain the abscess sometimes associated with orbital cellulitis. When a doctor works promptly, the condition is irritating, but treatable. Delay can result in loss of vision, or a spread of infection to the brain, resulting in a brain abscess or meningitis, two complications which are generally considered extremely undesirable.

An ophthalmologist typically rules out conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is made.
An ophthalmologist typically rules out conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is made.

Several symptoms can indicate the presence of orbital cellulitis. Swelling and redness around the eye are common, with some cases of periorbital cellulitis becoming so swollen that the patient cannot open his or her eye. Restricted eye movement is common, as is a bulging eye, due to pressure from the infection. Patients also generally suffer from fever, a common side-effect of infection caused by the body's attempt to fight off the source of infection.

Fever may be present with orbital cellulitis.
Fever may be present with orbital cellulitis.

Children are most likely to get orbital cellulitis, but the condition can also manifest in adults. To avoid orbital cellulitis, people should be meticulous about washing their hands and faces, and keeping their hands away from their eyes as much as possible. After surgery around the eyes and face, prophylactic antibiotics can prevent the onset of infection, and in the case of people who experience sinusitis, finishing prescribed antibiotics is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include red eyes.
      By: schankz
      Symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include red eyes.
    • An ophthalmologist typically rules out conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is made.
      By: Monkey Business
      An ophthalmologist typically rules out conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is made.
    • Fever may be present with orbital cellulitis.
      By: Piotr Wawrzyniuk
      Fever may be present with orbital cellulitis.
    • To avoid orbital cellulitis, people should be meticulous about washing hands and faces.
      By: alephnull
      To avoid orbital cellulitis, people should be meticulous about washing hands and faces.
    • Orbital cellulitis often begins with pain and pressure in the sinuses and then moves upward toward the eyes.
      By: bsites
      Orbital cellulitis often begins with pain and pressure in the sinuses and then moves upward toward the eyes.