Peri-orbital and orbital cellulitis

Question 1

What is peri-orbital cellulitis

Answer 1

Infection of eyelid - superficial

Question 2

What is orbital cellulitis

Answer 2

Infection of orbital tissues excluding globe - deep
Medical emergency - sight loss, can be fatal

Question 3

How are peri-orbital and orbital cellulitis be differentiated

Answer 3

Opthalmoplegia
Painful eye movement
Proptosis
May require imaging to diagnose
If in doubt treat as orbital cellulitis until disproven

Question 4

What need to treat with if neuro signs

Answer 4

Antibiotics that penetrate BBB - treat as intracranial infection eg penicillins, cephalosporins