Orbital cellulitis- A review

Abstract

Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the orbital soft tissues posterior to the orbital septum. It has the potential to be affect sight and function of the eye and extraocular tissues. Although it is commonly seen in the pediatric age group, adult orbital cellulitis is not uncommon. Infection usually originates from sinuses but sometimes the nidus of infection is in the eyelids, from retained vegetative foreign bodies, or very rarely from distant infection spreading to the orbit spread from blood. It is characterized by pain, proptosis, chemosis, diminution of vision, fever, periorbital erythema, and limitation of ocular motility. Historically orbital cellulitis was a sight and life-threatening condition. However, with the advent of high quality imaging, antibiotics and early surgical intervention to drain the orbital abscess when indicated, the chances of visual loss have reduced significantly. The purpose of this review is to describe current investigative and management paradigms in the treatment of orbital cellulitis and current recommendation in the management of complications resulting from it.