Orbital And Periorbital Cellulitis: How Do They Affect Your Childs Eye Condition
Eye infections among children are quite normal with their daily activities, which include playing outside. However, every eye infection does not go away on its own and needs to be treated promptly to avoid complications. This article will look into such two conditions, orbital and periorbital cellulitis, and how it can affect your child’s eye condition.
About Orbital And Periorbital Cellulitis
Orbital and periorbital cellulitis are two types of infections that can be commonly seen among younger children. Periorbital causes in the eyelid and around the eye, whereas orbital affects the eyeball and surrounding tissues.
The septum is a membrane in the eye that separates the front and the back of the eye. Periorbital cellulitis can affect the structure of the septum, and hence it is also called preseptal cellulitis. Both conditions are due to the bacteria that live on the skin or come externally.
Symptoms And Causes
Periorbital Cellulitis – The condition often occurs due to an insect bite or scratch around the eyes. The occurrence can lead to skin infections. Swelling, tenderness, pain, and redness are the common symptoms of this cellulitis. Children may also find it difficult to open the eye due to swelling. However, vision distortions will not occur.
Orbital Cellulitis – This can be a result of sinuses complication. Eye traumas, infections in the tear duct, face, teeth, or ear can also cause the spread. Swellings, pain, double vision, redness, blurry vision, tenderness are the symptoms of this condition. A situation called proptosis can also occur here, which causes the eyeball to bulge forward.
Diagnosing The Condition
Once you take your child to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dubai, a complete medical history and physical examination will be conducted. The following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood test
- CT or CAT scan
- X-rays
- Culture from the eye drainage
Complications
The nerves in our eyes are connected to the brain. It is essential to take your child to the eye specialist as soon as possible with the risk of progression. Orbital cellulitis can lead to brain and cause vision loss or very rarely even death. Meningitis and permanent neurological defects are two complications that can be found in these infections.
Viable Treatments
Periorbital Cellulitis – The treatments are often involved with oral antibiotics. After treatments, you need to take your child to the eye doctor as required to have a close follow-up. This will help to have constant monitoring until the eyes are completely healed.
Orbital Cellulitis – This is a more complex situation than periorbital cellulitis. Prompt treatments are required, and hence your child may need to get admitted to the hospital for comparative evaluation. Surgery drainages may also require some kids to remove the abscesses of the eye.
If your child has these symptoms, make sure to take them immediately to the eye specialist for earlier treatments. This can help prevent complications and make the eyes heal faster. Your doctor will distinguish the type of cellulitis your child has and recommended the necessary steps.
Visit Quironsalud for the finest eye specialist in Dubai. Our pediatric ophthalmologists are specialized in dealing with children’s eyes with several years of experience above the general ophthalmology training. Contact us now to book an appointment and get personalized treatment for your child.
