The infection spreads over the area for about 2 days. The lymph glands may become swollen and tender. You may have a fever and a feeling of general discomfort. If left untreated, the amount of bacteria produced can reach poisonous levels. Orbital cellulitis, a particularly dangerous infection, usually develops when bacteria enter the soft tissue around the eye socket from the sinuses or a boil near the eye.
Infected tissues swell around the eye, causing it to bulge out.
There is usually redness in the eye, swollen eyeleds, severe pain, and fever. Other rare complications include a temporary loss of vision, pus coming out of the eye, and meningitis from spread of the infection to the brain. Your doctor will examine the affected area and prescribe an antibiotic drug that you will take for about 2 weeks. In rare instances, if you have sinus blockage that is causing orbital cellulitis, your doctor may recommend an operation to drain your sinuses. This procedure usually helps to prevent the condition from recurring.