- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Cellulitis, Orbital
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the eye and its surrounding tissue and skin. It's more common in children than adults.
More to Know
The condition is often caused by bacteria that spread from a sinus infection or bacteria that enter through direct trauma to the eye.
People with orbital cellulitis may experience painful swelling and discoloration of the eyelids, poor vision, eye pain, difficulty moving the eye, and fever. It's important to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear because the condition progresses quickly and can cause serious complications such as blindness, meningitis, and blood or brain infections.
People with orbital cellulitis are admitted to the hospital for treatment so doctors can run diagnostic tests, give antibiotics through a vein, and monitor patients closely. In some cases surgery is necessary to drain fluid from the infected area and relieve pressure. A full recovery can be expected if treatment starts quickly.
Keep in Mind
You can help prevent orbital cellulitis by making sure you and your family members get vaccinated to help prevent certain infections and treat all infections at their earliest onset. See your doctor immediately if there is eye swelling, eye pain, and fever.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.