Orbital cellulitis complicated by central retinal artery occlusion with sparing of cilioretinal artery: A case report and review

Abstract

<br>Orbital cellulitis (OC) with an incidence of 0.1 per 100,000 is a sight and life-threatening emergency with a dreadful potential to cause orbital apex syndrome and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). In the era of modern antibiotics, visual loss in the case of isolated OC has significantly reduced. But in the event of the added complication of orbital apex syndrome and CRAO, the visual prognosis decreases markedly. A 24-year-old Asian Indian male presented with left eye staphylococcal OC complicated by orbital apex syndrome and CRAO with cilioretinal artery sparing following nasal folliculitis and upper lid preseptal cellulitis. He was promptly treated with culture-sensitive antibiotics, lateral canthotomy, and cantholysis. On follow-up, his vision improved from hand movements to 20/40 with the resolution of inflammation, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia. To conclude, promptness in diagnosis, treatment, and presence of foveal-sparing CRAO may improve the prognosis of OC.<br>