Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of tissues which can affect eyes and skin. Cellulitis affecting the eyes can be seen in two distinct types – orbital and preseptal cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis can affect the movement of the eyes (due to swelling in the eye or eyelids). This type is more serious and often requires more aggressive treatment. Preseptal cellulitis is limited to the tissue of the eyelid and is usually less serious.
Cellulitis is often caused by staphylococcal, streptococcal or fungal infections. It’s not unusual for the infection to begin in the sinuses and spread to the eyelids. Skin wounds or recent surgical intervention (including ophthalmological surgery) can also cause infection.
One of the characteristics of cellulitis is that it spreads quickly, which makes it a serious infection requiring immediate medical attention. Before antibiotics were used to treat cellulitis, blindness and deafness were common consequences.
Symptoms can include:
- A bulging eye
- Swelling of the eyelid or tissue around the eye
- Red eyelids
- Limited movement of the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Reduced vision