Orbital cellulitis (patient information)
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Orbital cellulitis |
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Orbital cellulitis On the Web |
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Overview
Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues immediately surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, eyebrow, and cheek.
What are the symptoms of Orbital cellulitis?
Symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include:
- Painful swelling of upper and lower eyelid, and possibly the eyebrow and cheek
- Bulging eyes
- Decreased vision
- Eye pain, especially when moving the eye
- Fever, generally 102 degrees F or higher
- General feeling of discomfort
- Painful or difficult eye movements
- Shiny, red or purple eyelid
What causes Orbital cellulitis?
Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection with potentially serious complications.
Bacteria from a sinus infection (often ''Haemophilus influenzae) usually cause this condition in children. Orbital cellulitis due to this bacteria used to be much more common in young children up to age 6 - 7. However, such infection is now rare because of the HiB (Haemophilus influenzae B) vaccine.
The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and beta-hemolytic streptococci may also cause orbital cellulitis.
Other causes include a stye on the eyelid, bug bites, or a recent eyelid injury.
Orbital cellulitis infections in children may get worse very quickly and can lead to blindness. Immediate medical attention is needed