What Is Cellulitis Of The Eye: Its Symptoms And How To Treat It?

Cellulitis in the eye also referred to as orbital cellulitis, is a condition which is characterized by infection of the eye; skin and tissue surrounding the eye. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and if the condition is not treated promptly can lead to serious medical ailments and loss of vision.

While this condition is often caused due to bacterial infection, the symptoms of orbital cellulitis can be treated promptly at home using simple home remedies. This article provides relevant information about orbital cellulitis and the different treatment options for the management of the condition.

Orbital cellulitis or cellulitis of the eye is caused due to bacterial infection that may be affecting other parts of the body, but eventually spread to affect the eye and its surrounding tissue. The most common bacteria that are responsible for the development of orbital cellulitis include Streptococcus Pyogenes, H. influenze and Staphylococcus aureus. Most often the infection spreads from the sinuses to affect the eye and the surrounding areas.

Symptoms Of Cellulitis In The Eye

Cellulitis of the eye is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue that is located on the posterior part of the orbital bone.

While orbital cellulitis may often mimic symptoms which are very similar to other types of eye infections, the condition is relatively more severe and should be treated promptly to avoid serious complications. Some of the common symptoms associated with orbital cellulitis include the following,

• Swelling, burning and redness in and around the eyeball. These symptoms are most likely to affect the eyelids and the skin surrounding the eyes.
• Other symptoms include periodontal aching and pain along with occasional nasal discharge, due to infection of the nasal sinuses.
• As the condition progresses, symptoms like headache, fever and generalized weakness and other visual problems are also observed.

Other unique symptoms that may be associated with cellulitis of the eye include pain with eye movement, loss of color vision and conjunctivitis. If the condition is left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of vision.

Treatment For Cellulitis Of The Eye

The treatment regimen usually depends upon the severity of the symptoms. However the symptoms of orbital cellulitis are very deceptive and need to be examined by the doctor to ensure correct diagnosis and prompt treatment. Severe symptoms would require immediate medical intervention and at times hospitalization to protect vision and prevent cerebral abnormalities.

On the other hand mild symptoms can be treated using oral antibiotics in combination with simple home remedies and home based therapies. However it is important to note the orbital cellulitis is a serious medical condition and no attempt should be made to treat this condition naturally at home. These home based treatment modalities are only meant to support conventional treatment and not substitute it,

• Steam inhalation is considered to be effective in treatment of sinus infection, which is the primary cause for orbital and periorbital cellulitis. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to the steam to alleviate the symptoms.
• Homeopathic eye drops are also considered very useful. Internal intake of homeopathic drugs like Arsenic Alb and Apis can help in the treatment of cellulitis.