Orbital cellulitis is a serious eye infection affecting the soft tissues in the eye socket. Early detection and treatment are essential for preserving eye health and vision.
Orbital cellulitis is a potentially sight-threatening infection that affects the soft tissues within the eye socket, lying behind the orbital septum. This condition mostly stems from nearby infections, such as bacterial sinusitis, and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications both in the eye and beyond. Our eye doctors emphasize that prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to preserve vision and ensure overall eye health.
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that involves the muscle, fat, and connective tissue found within the orbit behind the thin barrier known as the orbital septum. Unlike preseptal cellulitis—which affects only the eyelid and surrounding skin—orbital cellulitis invades deeper tissues, making it a medical emergency. It most commonly affects children under the age of 10, although adults are not exempt, and typically arises after a nearby infection such as sinusitis extends into the orbit.
In orbital cellulitis, bacteria breach the sanctity of the orbit and set off an intense inflammatory response. This invasion primarily takes place when an existing bacterial infection, often in the paranasal sinuses, finds a pathway through the thin bony wall (lamina papyracea) to the orbital cavity. The infection can also spread from skin infections, dental abscesses, or even following trauma or ocular surgery, triggering the body's defenses to flood the area with inflammatory cells and molecules. While this immune response is aimed at fighting the bacteria, the resulting inflammation can lead to tissue damage and increased pressure in the orbit.
Orbital cellulitis is most frequently initiated by bacterial infections that travel from adjacent anatomical structures into the orbit. Understanding the origin of these infections can help in both prevention and early detection.
Additional risk factors include recent upper respiratory infections, a history of sinusitis, or any other source of infection that might compromise the integrity of the tissues around the eye. In children, routine illnesses such as a cold can escalate into sinus infections which then have the potential to spread into the orbital region.
Don't ignore the signs of orbital cellulitis. Contact our office to find a top eye doctor near you for prompt evaluation and care.
Because orbital cellulitis can rapidly progress to vision-threatening complications, being aware of its signs and symptoms is essential. Here’s what you and our eye doctors look for during an evaluation:
The condition may also be accompanied by rhinorrhea (runny nose), headache, and tenderness upon palpation of the area adjacent to the sinuses, which can provide additional clues to the infection’s origin.
Early identification of orbital cellulitis is paramount because it allows for timely intervention that can prevent complications such as vision loss or intracranial spread. During a careful eye examination, our eye doctors assess factors like best-corrected visual acuity, ocular motility, intraocular pressure, and the presence of any pupillary abnormalities. These components, along with a detailed patient history, help differentiate orbital cellulitis from conditions like preseptal cellulitis, which, while uncomfortable, generally pose a lesser threat to vision.
The diagnosis of orbital cellulitis is primarily clinical but is supported by several key diagnostic tests that help determine the severity and extent of the infection.
Our eye doctors begin with a meticulous physical examination, assessing both the external and internal structures of the eye. They observe for signs such as redness, swelling, pain with eye movement, and any restrictions in mobility.
Because the infection occurs deep within the orbit, imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnostic process. The most commonly used diagnostic tool is a computed tomography (CT) scan, which can:
Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an alternative—especially in children to avoid radiation—it requires longer sedation times, making CT scans the preferred modality in acute settings. Blood tests, including a complete blood count and blood cultures, further support the diagnosis by revealing systemic infection markers such as elevated white blood cell counts.
Don't ignore the signs of orbital cellulitis. Contact our office to find a top eye doctor near you for prompt evaluation and care.
Orbital cellulitis is a serious eye infection. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for preserving vision and eye health.
