Symptoms:
The symptoms of these infections can vary depending on their severity and location, but some of the most common include:
- Orbital pain: Orbital pain can be intense and persistent and may increase with eye movement.
- Red eye: Redness of the eye can be generalized or affect only part of the eye.
- Inflammation: Inflammation can cause swelling of the eye and eyelids, making the eye appear to protrude from its orbit.
- Fever: Fever may be a sign of a systemic infection.
- General malaise: General malaise can include fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.
- Vision loss: In severe cases, the infection may affect the optic nerves and cause vision loss.
Causes of Orbital Infections
These infections can be caused by various microorganisms, including:
- Bacteria: Bacterial infections are the most common cause. They can be caused by bacteria that live on the skin, in the mouth, or in the nose, or that enter the orbit through a wound or surgery.
- Viruses: Viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus or varicella virus, can also cause this type of infection.
- Fungi: Fungal infections are less common but can be severe. They can arise from fungi found in soil or water.
- Parasites: Parasites, such as amoebas, can also cause orbital infections.
Orbital infections require urgent medical attention, as they can be serious and pose a risk to vision and ocular health. Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection and its severity. In most cases, treatment will include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics, depending on the microorganism causing the infection. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to drain an abscess or remove infected tissue.
