Eye cellulitis is an infection of the tissue surrounding the eye, caused by bacteria entering through broken skin or spreading from other areas. There are two types: periorbital and orbital. Periorbital is more common and affects the soft tissue around the eye, while orbital is more severe and can lead to blindness or death if left untreated. Symptoms include swelling, redness, fever, and decreased vision. Treatment includes antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgery.
Eye cellulitis, also known as ocular cellulitis, refers to irritation and infection of the tissue surrounding the eye. Cellulitis starts in an area of broken skin where bacteria can enter the eye, causing inflammation. There are two types of eye cellulitis: periorbital and orbital. Both periorbital and orbital cellulitis typically begin with swelling or inflammation in one eye and can spread to the other eye. Eye cellulitis is often easily treated. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Periorbital cellulitis makes up nearly 90% of cases of ocular cellulitis and is common in children under the age of 5. Also known as preseptal cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis affects the soft tissue around the eye. This type of cellulitis is the result of bacteria coating the outer eye area or a sinus infection. Periorbital cellulitis does not usually progress to orbital cellulitis because the septum protects the eye socket.
More severe than periorbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis occurs in about 10% of cases of ocular cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis often affects young children, who may be vulnerable to infection. In severe cases, the condition can escalate rapidly and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness or even death.
Typically, eye cellulitis is caused by the bacteria staphulococcus aureus, streptococcus pyogene, or haemophilus influenzae. The bacteria enter the eye through direct trauma, such as insect bites or scratches, or can spread from other areas, such as the sinus cavities. Symptoms of eye cellulitis include swelling and redness of the upper and lower eyelids, discomfort, fever, and decreased vision. Other symptoms may include bulging eyes or pain during eye movements.
A diagnosis of eye cellulitis is made by consulting a doctor. Common tests include a complete blood culture, complete blood count, and throat culture. Other ways to diagnose the condition include an X-ray of the sinuses and adjacent area and a computed tomography or CT scan, which can provide a detailed picture of the severity of the infection.
To treat periorbital cellulitis, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed. Hospitalization may be required for orbital cellulitis. In the hospital, antibiotics are given intravenously and the patient is closely monitored. In some cases, surgery may be needed to drain the sinuses and reduce any swelling in the eye, or if a person is not responding to antibiotics. If a person is experiencing eye pain and has red and swollen lower eyelids, it is recommended that they seek medical attention before long-term health problems arise.
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