Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is an infection in the eye socket (orbit) and the tissues that surround the eye. The infection can spread to the eyelids, eyebrow area, and cheek. It can also cause a pocket of pus to develop around the eye (orbital abscess). In severe cases, the infection can spread to the brain. Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency.

CAUSES
The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection. The infection usually spreads to the eye socket from another part of the body. The infection may start in the:
• Nose or sinuses.
• Eyelids.
• Facial skin.
• Bloodstream.

RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who have recently had one of the following:
• Upper respiratory