Cellulitis

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
What is cellulitis in the eye? What are the consequences if not treated appropriately?

Answer:
Cellulitis by definition does not occur "in the eye." For ophthalmologists, the term usually refers to an inflammation, an infection or both in the orbit of the tissues surrounding the eye. It can secondarily affect the eye, optic nerve, or even the brain, depending upon the nature of the process, including the offending organism. It certainly needs to be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Answered by: Charles P. Wilkinson, MD

Categories: Eye Diseases

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