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Orbital Cellulitis

These conditions refer to an inflammation and infection of the tissue and skin that surround the eye. Other causes are a stye on the eyelid, recent trauma to the eyelid including bug bites, or a foreign object. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection from the sinuses (ethmoid or para-nasal). A CT scan confirms the diagnosis and may further be necessary to rule-out a foreign body in the orbit (eye socket). Other organisms such as Staphlococcus aureus , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Beta hemolytic streptococci may also cause this condition. Infants and children up through age 6 to 7 years-old seem to be particularly susceptible to infection with Hemophilus influenzae , and are most at risk. Orbital cellulitis is an infection that involves the eye and the eye structures within the bony cavity of the face. Both of these conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention by your child's physician. With orbital cellulitis, the patient must almost always be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics . If a wound is present, it may need to be surgically explored. Some cases will require debridement of necrotic (dead) tissues. In patients who are immunocompromised or have diabetes, a life-threatening fungal infection known as Mucormycosis must be considered. When the orbital cellulitis is obviously improving and the patient recovering, the patient can usually be discharged from the hospital and managed with oral antibiotics.

Causes of Orbital Cellulitis

The common Causes of Orbital Cellulitis :

• Infections that spread from the bloodstream.
• Bug bite or sting to the eyelid.
• Stye on the eyelid.
• Injury to the area.

Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis

Some Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis :

• Fever ,
• General malaise .
• Eyelid appears shiny and is red or purple in color.
• Infant or child is acutely ill or toxic.
• Restricted or painful eye movements.
• Painful swelling of upper and lower lids (upper is usually greater).
• Eyes, bulging (forward displacement of the eye).
• Swelling of the eyelids that prevents the eye from opening (see facial swelling ).
• Decreased vision (because the lid is swollen over the eye).
• Eye pain especially with movement.

Treatment of Orbital Cellulitis

• Consultation with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist)
• Your child may be admitted to the hospital for antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Hospitalization also allows for close evaluation of your child and the condition.
• Surgical drainage of the sinuses or any abscesses of the eye is sometimes needed.
• Antibiotics are given to treat the infection. They will be started immediately, even before results from the laboratory have come back. Antibiotics are generally given by mouth for three weeks. If the infection is serious, the first week of antibiotics will be given through an intravenous drip.
• Surgery may be performed to drain a collection of pus or an infected sinus cavity

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