Symptoms:

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

Signs and tests:

Tests commonly include:

• CBC (complete blood count)
• Blood culture
• Spinal tap in extremely sick children

Other tests may include:

• X-ray of the sinuses and surrounding area
• CT scan or MRI of the sinuses and orbit
• Culture of eye and nose drainage
• Throat culture

Treatment:

The patient usually needs to stay in the hospital. Treatment includes antibiotics given through a vein. Surgery may be needed to drain the abscess, or relieve pressure in the orbital space around and behind the eye.

An orbital cellulitis infection can get worse very quickly. The patient must be carefully checked every few hours.

Expectations (prognosis):

With prompt treatment, the person can make a complete recovery.

Complications:

• Cavernous sinus thrombosis
• Hearing loss
• Septicemia or blood infection
• Meningitis
• Optic nerve damage and loss of vision

Calling your health care provider:

Orbital cellulitis is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. Call your health care provider if there are signs of eyelid swelling, especially with a fever.

Prevention:

Receiving the HiB vaccine according to recommended schedules generally will prevent most haemophilus infections in children. Young children in the same household who have been exposed to this bacteria may receive antibiotics to prevent getting sick.

Proper detection and early treatment of sinus, dental, or other infections may prevent the spread of infection to the eyes.