Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection affecting various body parts, including the eye sockets. When cellulitis affects the delicate tissue surrounding the eye, it is called ocular cellulitis. If untreated, this condition can lead to permanent loss of sight and, in some cases, can even spread to the brain, where it could have life-threatening consequences. This is why it is crucial to seek cellulitis eye treatment as soon as you suspect that you may have this condition. Understanding the symptoms and when you should seek treatment could have far-reaching benefits for your health.
Understanding Cellulitis
Two types of cellulitis can affect the eye, one much more severe than the other. However, both require prompt medical intervention to reduce the risk of long-term damage to your vision. The less severe version of this condition is known as preseptal cellulitis, affecting the skin tissue in the orbital septum. This is the membrane that separates the orbit from the eyelids. This condition presents redness in the eyes and swelling of the eyelids, but it does not restrict the eye's movement. Ocular cellulitis, on the other hand, presents significant swelling of the eyelids to the point that the entire eye may be closed.
Another symptom of occular cellulitis is the skin around the infected area turns purple or deep red, and the eye itself may bulge outward. Individuals with this condition are likely to experience distorted vision, visual disturbances, and, in some cases, double vision. If the infection is not treated, it could lead to the pupils becoming unresponsive to light, among other severe symptoms. Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection, which, in most cases, is Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria.
When Do You Need Cellulitis Treatment?
Treatment for this condition should be immediate and treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms of cellulitis are likely to grow more severe the longer the condition remains untreated, and this will further increase the damage that this disease can cause to your eyes. These include optical nerve damage, orbital abscesses, and cavernous sinus thrombosis, where a blood clot occurs in a blood vessel behind the eye. Cellulitis, if untreated, can increase your risk of getting meningitis, which can be fatal. Doctors use intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection. Sometimes, surgery may be required to drain infected sinuses and prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
Why Choose Columbia Eye Associates, PA?
If you are looking for top-class treatment for any eye condition, Columbia Eye Associates can help. Our team consists of top eye care professionals with decades of experience treating many different kinds of eye conditions. We educate our patients on proper eye care, which can help reduce their risk of infection and preserve their vision over time.
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