How To Spot Periorbital Cellulitis
The meaning of periorbital cellulitis is all in the name. Periorbital refers to the tissues surrounding or lining the orbit of the eye. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the inner layers of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Periorbital cellulitis is clarified to indicate it is anterior to the orbital septum, distinguishing it from orbital cellulitis. Periorbital cellulitis is an infection with inflammation of the eyelid and immediately surrounding structures.
It may be an infection localized to this region of the body, independent of other regions. However, it also may be a spread of infection from another area, such as sinusitis. More recently, this infection has been dramatically reduced in incidence rate due to a vaccine available for Haemophilus Influenzae, which is known to cause periorbital cellulitis.
Reddened White Of The Eye
Periorbital cellulitis is most common in children under two years old. Also known as preseptal cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis is separated from spreading to the eye itself by a layer of tissue. Frequently, periorbital cellulitis is triggered by bacteria that get into cracks in the skin around the eyelid or a stye, which is a bump on the eyelid, typically near the lashes, that occurs when a gland on the eyelid becomes infected. This infection does not impact the eye itself, therefore vision is preserved. However, it causes the white of the eye, the sclera, to become irritated. This reddened white of the eye is often the first symptom of periorbital cellulitis and should be evaluated immediately.
Swelling Around The Eye
The eye is a sensitive area. Swelling around the eye typically causes enough discomfort not to be missed, and it may involve the upper or lower eyelid only, but more commonly affects both. The skin around the eye is fragile and thinner than other regions, therefore it is not unusual for the swelling to also appear discolored in a reddened or even bruise-like fashion. Periorbital cellulitis is easily treated in its early stages with oral antibiotics. However, only a medical professional can accurately distinguish it from orbital cellulitis, which is an emergency and requires immediate intravenous antibiotics.
With orbital cellulitis, vision is affected as well as eye mobility. This is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to preserve the function of the eye. In addition to needing to distinguish between the two, periorbital cellulitis can spread resulting in orbital cellulitis. Therefore, prompt treatment at the appropriate medical facility is imperative.
