What is the most common cause of orbital cellulitis?

The most common cause of orbital cellulitis is indeed linked to ethmoidal sinusitis. This condition typically arises when the infection in the sinuses, particularly the ethmoid sinuses, spreads to the orbit, leading to inflammation and infection of the orbital tissues. In children and adults, sinus infections are a leading factor due to the close anatomical relationship between the sinuses and the orbit.

Orbital cellulitis can present with symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, and even vision changes, making early recognition and treatment critical to prevent complications. While bacterial infections could lead to a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis, they are often a secondary factor stemming from existing sinusitis rather than standing as a primary cause in isolation.

Trauma to the eye can certainly result in eye infections, but it’s not as prevalent as sinus-related infections when looking specifically at the causative pathways of orbital cellulitis. Additionally, viral infections are typically associated with other conditions, such as conjunctivitis or upper respiratory infections, rather than being a common cause of orbital cellulitis. Thus, ethmoidal sinusitis stands out as the primary driver of this serious condition.