Orbital Cellulitis

Infection of the tissues behind the orbital septum

Overview

Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the fat and muscles within the bony eye socket, behind the orbital septum. It most often spreads from the paranasal sinuses, especially in children. Features include painful swelling and redness of the eyelids, bulging of the eye, pain or restriction when moving the eye, double vision, and fever. It is distinguished from preseptal cellulitis, a more superficial and usually less serious infection of the eyelid in front of the septum. Orbital cellulitis is treated as an emergency because it can threaten vision and spread to the brain.