Rare but dangerous infection of the tissues around the eye (eyelids and cheeks). It is more common in childhood.
It usually occurs as a complication of sinusitis (or another infection) that spreads to the eye.
Symptoms include a red eye, swelling of the eyelid and fever. In more severe cases it can cause a 'bulging eye' (exophthalmos), double vision or loss of vision.
Diagnosis is made clinically by interview and physical examination. If possible, a pus culture should be taken to identify the bacteria responsible.
Treatment is with intravenous antibiotics. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to drain the accumulated pus.
It is a medical emergency if the eye pops out of its socket or if you cannot move it, or if you experience loss of vision; go to hospital with an ophthalmologist to assess your case.
- Christopher Gappy, MD. Steven M Archer, MD. Michael Barza, MD. Orbital cellulitis. UpToDate. Jan 04, 2016.
- Botting AM, McIntosh D, Mahadevan M. Paediatric pre- and post-septal peri-orbital infections are different diseases. A retrospective review of 262 cases. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2008; 72:377.
- Seltz LB, Smith J, Durairaj VD, et al. Microbiology and antibiotic management of orbital cellulitis. Pediatrics 2011; 127:e566.
- Nageswaran S, Woods CR, Benjamin DK Jr, et al. Orbital cellulitis in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:695.
