Cellulitis has been known to be a disease that attacks the skin. Through breaks in the skin, bacteria enter and cause inflammation. However, most people mistakenly think that cellulitis can only affect the skin. In truth, cellulitis could affect other organs as well. One of the organs that are commonly affected by cellulitis is the eye. This condition is most commonly referred to as orbital cellulitis.
Causes of Cellulities
Cellulitis of the eye can occur from different causes. It may be the result of spread of infection from the superficial eyelids. It can also be the result of direct trauma or injury to the eyes. It can also be the sequel of a sinus or dental infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Cellulitis
The presenting signs and symptoms of a person with orbital cellulitis are concentrated mainly on the eyes. Cellulitis orbital type would usually cause swelling of the eyelid, redness and pain upon simple eye movements. People with this type of cellulitis have blurring vision and fever as the body tries to fight off the offending bacteria.
Dangers of Orbital Cellulitis
When cellulitis attacks the eyes, it can be fatal. The eye is a vital organ needed in vision. When cellulitis spreads in the eye, it can easily affect the brain. Remember that the eye is a simple out pouching of the brain. Any infection that affects the eye can easily spread to the brain and cause more problems than ever. Apart from the brain, the eye cellulitis could also spread to the adjacent structures of the nasal sinuses and oral cavity. Spread of the disease is common because the eye is near the structures that are highly prone to infection.
How can you treat orbital cellulitis?
Orbital cellulitis is a potentially life-threatening condition. When a person gets this disease, he should not attempt to self-medicate or wait until the infection goes away. One should go and consult his doctor to be treated properly and promptly. The treatment will still be antibiotic therapy. However, antibiotics will not be given simply through the oral route. They will be administered via injections to the vein so that it will have a more immediate and strong effect.
