Definition
Definition
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the bony cavity in which the eyeball sits and the muscles and soft tissues that surround the eyeball. This cavity is called the orbit. It is surrounded by the sinuses. The sinuses are the hollow areas of the skull around the nose. Orbital cellulitis affects not only the eye, but also the eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks.
If the infection is not treated, it can lead to blindness and nerve damage of the face.
Eyeball in OrbitThe cavity below the eye is a sinus, the most common place for the infection to start.
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Causes
Causes
Orbital cellulitis is caused by certain bacteria.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
This condition is more common in children. Factors that increase the risk of getting orbital cellulitis include:
- Infections that spread from areas surrounding the eye, such as the eyelids, sinuses, mouth and teeth, and face
- Infections that spread from the bloodstream
- Injury or surgery in the area
- Stye on the eyelid
- Bug bite or sting to the eyelid
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of orbital cellulitis include:
- Bulging eye
- Painful eye movements
- Tender or warm tissues around the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Difficulty seeing when the eyelid is swollen
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Orbital cellulitis can often be diagnosed by examining the eyes, teeth, and mouth. Your medical and family history will be taken.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Testing samples from the lining of your eye, nose, and throat
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Orbital cellulitis can worsen quickly. It usually requires hospitalization.
Medication
Medication used to treat orbital cellulitis include:
- Antibiotics to treat the infection
- Diuretics or eye drops to help decrease pressure within the eyeball
- Oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be done to drain a pus collection from an infected sinus or orbit.
Prevention
Prevention
Treating sinus or dental infections right away may prevent them from spreading to the eyes. In addition, children should be protected with the Hib B vaccine, which will prevent most of the Haemophilus influenzae type B infections.
RESOURCES:
Retina International http://www.retina-international.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0315/p1349a.html
Accessed May 26, 2015.
Orbital cellulitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 15, 2014. Accessed May 26, 2015.
Givner LB. Periorbital versus orbital cellulitis. Ped Infect Dis J. 2002; 21:1157-1158.
1/5/2015 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Pushker N, Tejwani LK, et al. Role of oral corticosteroids in orbital cellulitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013;156(1):178-183.
Last Updated: 5/26/2015