Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsOrbital Cellulitis CausesHow Is Orbital Cellulitis Diagnosed?Treatment OptionsPrognosis for Orbital Cellulitis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Orbital Cellulitis Causes
How Is Orbital Cellulitis Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Prognosis for Orbital Cellulitis
Orbital cellulitisis a severe infection of the muscles, fat, and tissues located around the eye. It can also affect the cheeks, eyelids, and eyebrows. It occurs more commonly in children than adults, although it can affect people of any age.
Orbital cellulitis generally stems from an infection of the sinuses or face or from trauma to the eye. It requires urgent medical care and can lead to blindness if left untreated.This article provides an overview of orbital cellulitis, as well as its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Orbital Cellulitis vs. Periorbital Cellulitis
There is only one primary type of orbital cellulitis. However, it is sometimes confused with another condition calledperiorbital cellulitis. It’s essential to understand that they are different infections that affect different areas of the eye.
Where They OccurPeriorbital cellulitis is an infection of the areaaround the eyeand the eyelid. Orbital cellulitis is an infection of thetissues around the eyeballand the deeper tissues behind the eye.
Where They Occur
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the areaaround the eyeand the eyelid. Orbital cellulitis is an infection of thetissues around the eyeballand the deeper tissues behind the eye.
Periorbital cellulitis usually stems from an insect bite or irritation to the eye. This infection leads to redness, pain, and swelling around the eye. However, vision remains normal, and the person can still move the eye in all directions.
Orbital Cellulitis Symptoms
Orbital cellulitis symptoms can include:
Orbital cellulitis can turn into a pocket of pus, called anabscess, behind or around the eye.
Other causes of orbital cellulitis may include:
There are a few types of bacteria that are most commonly responsible for causing orbital cellulitis:
Prompt diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is critical because the condition can lead to permanent vision problems and blindness.
Diagnostic tests may include:
Noninvasive diagnostic imaging of the sinuses, eye, and surrounding area may include:
Treatment for orbital cellulitis may include some of the following:
For people who have chronic sinusitis, a healthcare provider might recommend a procedure calledfunctional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)to prevent sinus infections that could lead to orbital cellulitis.
Most people with orbital cellulitis require hospitalization for treatment and observation. This condition can worsen quickly, and your healthcare provider may want to monitor your progress to ensure that your treatment is effective.
The outlook for people with orbital cellulitis is very good with early treatment. However, a delay in treatment can lead to permanent vision problems or blindness.
Summary
Orbital cellulitis is a severe infection of the tissues around the eyeball that requires urgent attention. It generally stems from an infection of the sinuses or face, or other trauma.
Orbital cellulitis symptoms can include pain and swelling of the eyelids, eyebrow, and cheek. Other symptoms include double or blurry vision, difficulty moving the eye, fever, bulging eyes, and lower pupil reaction.It can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Most people with orbital cellulitis require a hospital stay for observation, antibiotic treatment, and sometimes surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Prompt treatment for orbital cellulitis is essential for a complete recovery without permanent vision damage or loss. Always contact your healthcare provider if you suddenly experience symptoms of orbital cellulitis, especially if you have or recently had a sinus infection. They can ensure you have the best treatment to improve symptoms and avoid vision loss.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Orbital cellulitis.Baiu I, Melendez E.Periorbital and orbital cellulitis.JAMA. 2020;323(2):196. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.18211American Academy of Ophthalmology.Orbital cellulitis.Tsirouki T, Dastiridou AI, Flores NI, et al.Orbital cellulitis.Survey of Ophthalmology. 2018;63(4):534-553. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.12.001
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Orbital cellulitis.Baiu I, Melendez E.Periorbital and orbital cellulitis.JAMA. 2020;323(2):196. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.18211American Academy of Ophthalmology.Orbital cellulitis.Tsirouki T, Dastiridou AI, Flores NI, et al.Orbital cellulitis.Survey of Ophthalmology. 2018;63(4):534-553. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.12.001
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Orbital cellulitis.Baiu I, Melendez E.Periorbital and orbital cellulitis.JAMA. 2020;323(2):196. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.18211American Academy of Ophthalmology.Orbital cellulitis.Tsirouki T, Dastiridou AI, Flores NI, et al.Orbital cellulitis.Survey of Ophthalmology. 2018;63(4):534-553. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.12.001
MedlinePlus.Orbital cellulitis.
Baiu I, Melendez E.Periorbital and orbital cellulitis.JAMA. 2020;323(2):196. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.18211
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Orbital cellulitis.
Tsirouki T, Dastiridou AI, Flores NI, et al.Orbital cellulitis.Survey of Ophthalmology. 2018;63(4):534-553. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.12.001
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