An acute infection of the tissues immediately surrounding the eye.
Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection with potentially serious complications.
It is usually caused by a bacterial infection which typically will have spread from the ethmoid or para-nasal sinuses but may also have its origin elsewhere such as a boil on the eye or eyelid, recent trauma to the eye, or a foreign object. In children, orbital cellulitis, and the less serious infection but still important periorbital cellulitis is most often caused by the organism Hemophilus influenzae. Other organisms such as Staphlococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae and beta hemolytic streptococci also may cause this condition. The actual incidence is not reported, but it is a rare infection. Prevention Immunization with HiB vaccine according to recommended schedules generally will prevent most Hemophilus infection in children.