Cellulitis is a term referring to a skin inflammation that is typically caused by bacteria. The skin infection usually affects the dermis and subcutaneous layer of the skin. However, contrary to popular opinion, cellulitis could also affect organs other than the skin. One example of cellulitis that is not skin related is eye cellulitis or orbital cellulitis.
When cellulitis occurs inside the eyes, it is called orbital or postseptal cellulitis. The septum is a membrane which separates the internal structures of the eyeball to the external skin or eyelid. When the infection happens below this membrane, it is orbital cellulitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis
The presenting symptoms of this disease are the common signs of infection. The eye becomes red, swollen and inflamed. It also becomes difficult for a person with orbital cellulitis to move the eyes up, down or sideward. A person may also experience itching around the eyes. This could also lead to blurry or hazy vision. This condition is also very painful as slight movements of the eye give much discomfort. When left untreated, this condition could also lead to blindness. Sometimes, fever may also ensue because the body’s immune system tries to fight off the infection. Body weakness and a feeling of fatigue may also develop as the body becomes exhausted trying to ward off the bacteria causing the infection. Therefore, it is advisable for people experiencing orbital cellulitis to take utmost care in treating this type of infection for it can cause adverse effects to the eye if not treated properly.
Difference from Periorbital Cellulites
Orbital cellulitis is different from periorbital cellulitis. The orbital type causes infection in the eye itself. However, the periorbital kind only affects the eyelid and not the eyeball itself. Periorbital cellulitis only affects the surrounding skin on the eyes. It also does not cause any blurring of vision and difficulty in eye movements. When the cellulitis near the eye shows these symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Your condition may be the more fatal orbital cellulitis and not the milder periorbital form. Knowing your condition as soon as possible will help you determine the right treatment as well as increase the healing rate of the damages caused by the disease.
