Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues within the orbit. It is categorized into preseptal and orbital cellulitis, depending on whether the inflammation is affecting tissues superficially or deep to the orbital septum.
It is most commonly caused by extension of infections in the paranasal sinuses and can potentially have serious complications such as intracranial expansion and death. Patients with orbital cellulitis present with high fever, malaise, eyelid swelling and redness, bulging of the affected eye and restriction of the eye movements. Clinical examination, blood workup and orbital imaging is necessary to make the diagnosis. The treatment includes high-dose intravenous antibiotics.
