An Eye On Periorbital Cellulitis

Cellulitis is the inflammation of cells characterized by symptoms initially found in the skin. Unfortunately, cellulitis can occur on any part of the body, including the eyes. Periorbital cellulitis is a condition where the soft tissues around the eye are infected. Infection often begins at the membrane in the outer part of the eye and spreading from there. Let’s discuss the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of periorbital cellulitis.

Signs And Symptoms

The symptoms of periorbital cellulitis are shared with the symptoms of other types of cellulitis. Typical symptoms include redness, itchiness, warmth, swelling and pain. But since periorbital cellulitis affects the eye, you may have a different experience. First of all, periorbital cellulitis should not be confused with orbital cellulitis, which is another type of cellulitis that causes protrusion of the eyeball (however, if cellulitis surrounding the eye is untreated, orbital cellulitis may develop and movement of the eyeball becomes difficult).

Initial symptoms of periorbital cellulitis include nasal discharge, periodontal swelling and pain, and bleeding with sinusitis. You may also experience headaches, malaise, and fever but is not always the case with the early progression of infection. Further signs and symptoms may include vision impairments (seeing double, etc.), swelling and redness of the eyelid, pain while the eye is moving, and general pain in the eye.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis for periorbital cellulitis begins with the diagnosis of cellulitis in general. Individuals who have just encountered the symptoms above oftentimes visit a doctor, who will most likely refer them to an ophthalmologist if periorbital cellulitis is suspected or determined. Diagnosis for periorbital cellulitis initially begins by analyzing a patient’s medical history, conducting a physical exam, and giving further tests such as blood tests and CT scans.

Treatment

It is important to have treatment as soon as a diagnosis has been made. Periorbital cellulitis that is untreated can trigger further complications and even death. The very first thing your doctor will most likely do is put you on antibiotics. Oral antibiotics such as penicillin often treat mild cases of orbital cellulitis, however, always inform your doctor about any allergies you may have (some patients are allergic to penicillin). You may also be given eye drops or ointments and pain relievers such as ibuprofen to ease the discomfort associated with the condition’s symptoms. Warm compresses, fluids, and lots of rest may also be a solution done at the hospital or at home.

For worse cases of periorbital cellulitis, adults or children may be required to stay in the hospital for 48 to 72 hours while being given IV antibiotics. Following hospitalization, taking oral antibiotics and further supportive therapy may still be required to make sure infection doesn’t recur. If an orbital abscess exists, surgery and drainage may be performed.

In most cases, periorbital cellulitis can be completely cured just by taking oral antibiotics. However, if the condition is untreated or not treated properly, the eyeball and/or eye socket can be infected, which results in orbital cellulitis. This is a deadly condition, which requires immediate hospitalization. Thus, preventive measures should always be taken to avoid the occurrence of eye infection in the first place. Avoid frequently rubbing or touching the eye area as much as possible, and always practice good hygiene.