Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis must be distinguished from less severe infections including periorbital (preseptal) cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis must always be considered in any case of eyelid inflammation because of the devastating sequelae of brain abscess, cranial nerve palsies, and possibly blindness or death from sepsis. Orbital cellulitis may complicate ethmoid sinusitis.

Causes

• It is usually caused by a bacterial infection from the sinuses. Other causes may includes a stye on the eyelid, bug bites, or a recent injury to the eyelid.
• In children, orbital cellulitis is usually from a sinus infection and also due to the organism Hemophilus influenzae. Other organisms such as includes staphlococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae and beta-hemolytic streptococci may also cause this condition.

Symptoms

• Eye pain
• Pain with eye movement
• Intense eyelid swelling
• Vision may be normal but blurred
• Double vision (common)
• Fever
• Headaches

Signs

• Eyelid inflammation with edema, erythema, and tenderness
• Proptosis and restricted eye movement or pain with movement (very common)
• Conjunctival injection, chemosis, and subconjunctival hemorrhages (common)
• Afferent pupillary defect (APD) with or without papilledema possible with orbital apex involvement (uncommon)
• Fifth cranial nerve sensory deficits (uncommon)

Treatment

• For treatment, Hospitalization is usually required. In which treatment consists of IV fluids with antibiotics. Surgical drainage of an abscess may be necessary.
• You can also use antibiotics to stop the spread of infection and prevent damage to the optic nerve, which transmits visual images to the brain.
• Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition and must be treated promptly. Treatment may includes consultation with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist)., Surgery - surgical drainage of the sinuses or any abscesses of the eye is sometimes needed.