What is orbital cellulite?

Cellulite is an acute inflammatory process that affects the subcutaneous tissue. In case of affecting the ocular orbit, it will be called orbital cellulitis.

Most frequent causes

The most frequent causative microorganisms are the streptococci, the most frequent being and Staphylococcus aureus. The main cause of orbital cellulitis is spread of an infection local or nearby:

• Sinusitis
• Tooth or skin abscess
• Lacrimal discharge obstruction
• Eye surgery
• Penetrating trauma

It is relatively more common in childhood and unilateral onset. In immunosuppressed or diabetic patients, the causative microorganisms usually belong to other species of microorganisms, different from the usual ones.

Symptoms

The most characteristic symptoms are:

• Red, painful and hot local skin
• Soft tissue inflammation
• Decreased ocular motility
• pain that appears with eye movements
• Exophthalmia (outwardly displaced eye)
• Visual acuity disturbance

It can also be accompanied by affectation of the general state

• Fever
• Fatigue
• General pain

In case of complicated evolution it can cause systemic sepsis and the death of the patient. Family Medicine Specialist