Orbital cellulitis complicating strabismus surgery: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Orbital cellulitis is a rarely reported, but potentially vision- and life-threatening complication after strabismus surgery. To date, only seven cases of orbital cellulitis complicating strabismus surgery have been reported in the world literature, and only two cases were reported in adult patients, both occurring more than 100 years ago. We describe a case of unilateral orbital cellulitis after bilateral strabismus surgery in an adult. Early diagnosis (aided by computed tomography) and aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable visual outcome. Diagnosis and management are discussed, and this case is compared with previous cases in the literature.