What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Eye Socket Inflammation
• Inflammation of the Eye Socket

What is Orbital Cellulitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Orbital Cellulitis is an infection of the eye socket in the orbital tissues, posterior to the orbital septum. It is commonly observed in young children
• The condition is usually caused by the extension of a bacterial sinus infection. A similar condition to Orbital Cellulitis is periorbital cellulitis, which specifically refers to an infection of the orbital tissues, anterior to the orbital septum
• The signs and symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis may include impaired vision, fever, headaches, eye pain, swelling, and discoloration of the eyelids
• Orbital Cellulitis is mostly treated with antibiotics but may require surgical intervention to drain excess fluid from a sinus or abscess. The prognosis of the infection depends on its severity and on its early recognition and adequate treatment

Who gets Orbital Cellulitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Orbital Cellulitis is more common in young children
• Even though both genders are affected, males are twice as likely to be affected than females
• Worldwide, all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Orbital Cellulitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Orbital Cellulitis may include:

• Direct trauma to the eyes, which can lead to secondary bacterial infections
• Sinus infections, mainly acute sinusitis
• Immunosuppression - weak immune system in the individual that is caused by a variety of underlying conditions
• Children below the age of 9 years have a higher risk
• Dental infections

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Orbital Cellulitis? (Etiology)

Orbital Cellulitis is often caused by a bacterial sinus infection reaching the eye’s orbital tissues from the sinuses. The bacterial pathogens commonly responsible for causing Orbital Cellulitis include:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus

A once common cause of Orbital Cellulitis used to be bacterial infection from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), but widespread vaccination has made this a less common issue now.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis?

The signs and symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis may include:

• Pain, redness, and swelling of the eyes and eyelids
• Pain resulting from eye movement
• Vision loss
• Headaches and fever

How is Orbital Cellulitis Diagnosed?

Orbital Cellulitis is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination including eye examination and medical history evaluation
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Blood tests looking for an elevated white blood cell count to confirm an infection
• Blood culture studies
• CT and MRI studies of the orbitals

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Orbital Cellulitis?

Complications arising from Orbital Cellulitis may include:

• Vision loss
• Restriction of eye movement
• Meningitis - inflammation of the brain meninges
• Hearing loss
• Cavernous sinus thrombosis (blood clot in the sinuses behind the eye socket)

How is Orbital Cellulitis Treated?

Orbital Cellulitis can be a very painful condition leading to some serious complications such as complete blindness and meningitis. Therefore, an immediate treatment is very important to avoid such complications.

The treatment options usually involve:

• Pain and fever medication
• Antibiotic therapy
• Surgical drainage of sinuses and orbital abscesses (if needed)

How can Orbital Cellulitis be Prevented?

Prevention measures for Orbital Cellulitis typically focusses on:

• Vaccination for Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Prompt monitoring and treatment of sinus (and other) infections to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the orbital tissues

What is the Prognosis of Orbital Cellulitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Orbital Cellulitis generally depends on the timing of the diagnosis and the severity of the infection.

• Prompt medical diagnosis with early antibiotic treatment often leads to a good prognosis
• A late diagnosis may lead to a poor prognosis by allowing the condition to advance with serious complications such as total blindness and spreading of the infection to the brain
• The prognosis is also worse in individuals who are immunocompromised

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Orbital Cellulitis:

The following link is a useful resource for more information on the leading cause of Orbital Cellulitis:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/