Orbital cellulitis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the orbital tissues which can lead to restriction of eye movements, loss of vision and even loss of life. Orbital cellulitis is an inflammation of eye tissues posterior to the orbital septum. It most commonly refers to an acute spread of infection into the eye socket from either the adjacent sinuses or through the blood. When it affects the rear of the eye, it is known as retro-orbital cellulitis.
It should not be confused with periorbital cellulitis, which refers to cellulitis anterior to the septum.\
Causes
Orbital cellulitis occurs commonly from bacterial infection spread by the paranasal sinuses. Other ways in which orbital cellulitis may occur is from infection in the blood stream and from an eyelid skin infection. Upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, trauma to the eye, ocular or periocular infection and systemic infection all increase one’s risk of orbital cellulitis.Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and beta-hemolytic streptococci are three bacteria that can be responsible for orbital cellulitis.
Differentiating Orbital Cellulitis from other Diseases
Orbital cellulitis should be differentiated from preseptal cellulitis which is confined to structures anterior to orbital septum. Where as, orbital cellulitis involves structures posterior to orbital septum which includes fat and ocular muscles.