Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital Cellulitis:  An infection of the soft tissue that makes up the eyelids, eyebrow, and the cheek surrounding the eye itself. It has the potential to be very harmful and affect vision.
Causes: 
     Bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae) from a sinus infection.
     Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or beta-hemolytic streptococci.
     Bug bites, stye, or recent eyelid surgery.
     Seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms: 
     Painful swelling of upper and lower eyelids, possible spreading into the cheek and eyebrow.
     Proptosis or exophthalmos (bulging eyes).
     Eye pain with movement.
     Difficulty moving the eyes.
     Fever-102 or higher.
     Discomfort.
     Shiny red or purple eyelids.
Tests:
     Blood cultures.
     CBC.
     Spinal tap in extreme cases of kids.
     Sinus x-rays and surrounding areas.
     CT or MRI of orbits and sinuses.
     Culture of throat and eye drainage.
     Throat culture.
Treatment:
     Hospitalization with IV antibiotics.
     Surgery may be necessary to drain the abscess or relieve the pressure.
     Infection may become increasingly worse very quickly. Close, frequent (every few hours) monitoring must performed.
Prognosis:  Complete recovery with prompt treatment.
Possible Complications:
     Cavernous sinus thrombosis:  A blood clot in the cavernous sinus at the base of the brain which returns deoxygenated blood to the heart from the brain.
     Hearing Loss.
     Septicemia.
     Meningitis.
     Optic nerve damage or loss of vision.
Contact Physician Immediately If:
     Swelling of eyelids along with a fever.
Prevention:
     Early treatment of sinus infections, dental infections, and other infections.
     Receiving the HiB vaccine will also help prevent orbital cellulitis.
References:
Garrity, J. (2008, September). Preseptal and orbital cellulitis. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com
Orbital cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis. (2009, February 23). Retrieved from http://www.allina.com
U. S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. (2011). Orbital cellulitis. Bethesda, MD, http://www.nlm.nih.gov