Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the tissues surrounding the eye, including the eye socket. It mainly involves the soft tissues behind the eyelid and can cause swelling, redness, and pain around the eye. This condition can affect vision and eye movement, sometimes leading to difficulty moving the eye or double vision. It often results from a nearby infection, such as a sinus infection, spreading to the eye area. Because it involves important structures near the brain, it can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the orbital tissues posterior to the orbital septum, typically caused by bacterial spread from adjacent structures like the paranasal sinuses. The most common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and anaerobes. It is characterized by inflammation, edema, and purulent infiltration of orbital fat and extraocular muscles, leading to proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and pain with eye movement. This condition is distinguished from preseptal cellulitis by involvement of deeper orbital structures and potential for vision-threatening complications such as optic nerve compression and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent permanent vision loss and intracranial spread.