What are the symptoms of orbital cellulitis? What causes orbital cellulitis? How is orbital cellulitis treated?

Understanding Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the soft tissues within the eye socket. It is a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss and even life-threatening complications. This type of infection develops behind the orbital septum, a thin membrane that covers the front of the eyeball. Orbital cellulitis is distinct from periorbital or preseptal cellulitis, which refers to infections occurring in front of the orbital septum and is generally less serious.

Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis

The primary symptoms of orbital cellulitis include pain, swelling, and proptosis (protrusion or forward displacement of the eye). Other common symptoms are:

• Limited eye movement or pain when trying to move the eye
• Impaired vision or sudden vision loss
• Red, swollen eyelid
• Difficulty or inability to open the eye
• Discharge from the infected eye
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Causes of Orbital Cellulitis

What is the primary cause of orbital cellulitis? Research suggests that up to 86-98% of people with orbital cellulitis also have sinusitis, or an infection of the sinuses. Without prompt treatment, sinus infections can spread to the fat and muscle surrounding the eye socket, leading to orbital cellulitis.

The most common bacterial causes of orbital cellulitis are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Less commonly, orbital cellulitis can also result from:

• An injury to the eye that penetrates the orbital septum
• Complications from eye surgery
• Abscesses in the mouth
• A foreign object becoming trapped in the eye
• Asthma

Diagnosing Orbital Cellulitis

How is orbital cellulitis diagnosed? The diagnostic process typically begins with a physical examination by an ophthalmologist, who will look for signs of infection in the eye socket, such as redness, swelling, pain, and fever. The ophthalmologist may then order additional tests, such as:

• Blood sample analysis to identify the causative bacteria
• Discharge sample analysis from the eye
• Imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans, to evaluate the extent of the infection and check for complications

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe complications from orbital cellulitis.

Treating Orbital Cellulitis

The standard treatment for orbital cellulitis involves a combination of antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery.

Antibiotics

Healthcare professionals typically administer broad-spectrum antibiotics intravenously to treat orbital cellulitis. These antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. The person with orbital cellulitis will usually need to remain in the healthcare facility while receiving antibiotic treatment, as the infection can spread quickly and require close monitoring.

Surgery

Surgical treatment may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics or if it spreads to other parts of the head. People with orbital cellulitis may require surgery if they experience worsening symptoms or vision impairment while taking antibiotics, or if they have developed an abscess in the eye.

Complications of Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including:

• Permanent vision loss
• Life-threatening complications, such as spread of the infection to the brain or central nervous system

Therefore, it is crucial for anyone with symptoms of orbital cellulitis to seek immediate medical attention to prevent these potentially devastating outcomes.

Preventing Orbital Cellulitis

The best way to prevent orbital cellulitis is to promptly treat any underlying sinus infections or other conditions that could lead to the spread of infection to the eye socket. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding eye injuries, and seeking prompt medical attention for any eye-related issues can also help reduce the risk of developing orbital cellulitis.