Our eyes are the gateway to this beautiful world.
Do you wonder what will happen if the doorway to the beautiful world is affected due to eye infections?
Pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis are common eye infections that can affect our eyes and cause irritation.
But are these two eye infections similar to each other?
In this comparison guide on pink eye vs periorbital cellulitis, we will find out if these two eye infections are the same, and if not, then what’s the difference between these two eye infections.
Let us proceed with this comparison guide. We will compare the two eye infections based on their symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Pink Eye vs Periorbital Cellulitis: Key Differences
Pink eye leads to an inflammation in the inner lining of the eyelids (conjunctiva).
It is a common eye infection affecting 6 million individuals.
Whereas Periorbital Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the eyelids or the skin surrounding the eyes.
Both these eye infections may affect adults and children. However, Periorbital Cellulitis mostly affects younger kids.
Unlike Periorbital Cellulitis, pink eye is highly contagious. It can spread easily between individuals after coming in contact with infected individuals.
Pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis are treatable eye infections. Therefore, it is essential to contact eye care specialists.
Do you know how long Conjunctivitis stays contagious? To find the answers, read How Long is Pink Eye Contagious: Contagious Period Explained.
Differences in Their Symptoms
Source: PixelshotThe two types of eye infections, Conjunctivitis and Periorbital Cellulitis, also differ in their symptoms.
It is vital to look out for the symptoms of both eye infections for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Let us closely examine the common symptoms of pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis.
Common symptoms of pink eye Common symptoms of Periorbital Cellulitis
Some individuals might experience rare symptoms of Periorbital Cellulitis, such as teary eyes and affected vision.
Similarly, some individuals might also experience rare symptoms of pink eye, like consistent eye discharge, severe eye pain, high fever, shaking chills, and vision loss.
Therefore, It is advised to visit a licensed eyecare center immediately if you are experiencing the symptoms of either of the eye infections.
Wondering about fever during Conjunctivitis? For deeper information, read Unveiling the Truth: Is Pink Eye Fever Real?
Differences in Their Causes
Pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis also vary based on their causes.
If a person is diagnosed with bacterial pink eye, it is caused by bacteria.
The bacteria that cause pink eye are Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
In the case of allergic pink eye, allergens such as pollen and pet dander might lead to Conjunctivitis.
Similarly, viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Adenovirus, and Enteroviruses might cause viral pink eye.
On the other hand, Periorbital Cellulitis can be caused by sinus infection, insect bite, facial trauma, and dental surgery.
Due to sinus infection, Periorbital Cellulitis is more common during the winter.
Like the bacterial pink eye, Periorbital Cellulitis can be caused due to bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Haemophilus Influenzae.
It is advised to visit a licensed ophthalmologist to effectively diagnose the underlying eye infections.
Differences in Their Treatment
Source: AMR_Images_from_Getty_ImagesBoth eye infections, pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis, are treatable.
Consult an authorized eyecare specialist for the effective treatment of these eye infections.
The treatment of pink eye depends upon its causes.
If the cause of pink eye is bacteria, medications like Antibiotics might help to ease the symptoms of bacterial pink eye.
For allergic pink eye, doctors may prescribe anti-allergic medications and eyedrops such as topical Antihistamines and Vasoconstrictors for the treatment.
However, unlike these two types of pink eye, viral Conjunctivitis gets treated independently. But it would be great to get medical assistance for effective treatment.
Similarly, for treating Periorbital Cellulitis, doctors might prescribe Antibiotics to ease the symptoms of this condition.
They may also advise hospitalization and Intravenous (IV) treatment options for effective treatment and avoid complications.
Periorbital Cellulitis vs Pink Eye: Key Notes
Pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis are common eye infections.
Pink eye might affect both young and adults, whereas Periorbital Cellulitis usually affects young kids.
Unlike Periorbital Cellulitis, Conjunctivitis is a contagious eye infection.
Both Pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis also vary in symptoms. Common symptoms of pink eye include pink color in the eye and increased tear production.
On the other hand, the common symptoms of Periorbital Cellulitis are tenderness in or around the eye and redness and irritation around the eye.
These two infections also differ in causes.
Periorbital Cellulitis is caused due to insect bites and facial trauma, whereas the cause of pink eye can be bacteria, allergy, or virus.
Since the treatment of these two eye infections is different, it would be best to seek medical assistance for effective management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for pink eye to go away?
Pink eye typically resolves within one to two weeks. The exact duration varies in individual and can be based on the type and cause of pink eye, with viral cases lasting shorter than bacterial ones.
For effective treatment, it is essential to contact an eye specialist.
Are there any complications associated with Periorbital Cellulitis?
Yes, an individual can experience complications such as Orbital Cellulitis, abscess formation, and infection spread if Periorbital Cellulitis is not treated on time.
The timely treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis may minimize the risk of complications. Therefore, it is advised to treat your eye infection immediately when you experience its symptoms.
What is the main difference between pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis?
The main difference between pink eye and Periorbital Cellulitis is their affecting areas and severity.
Pink eye affects the conjunctiva, causing eye redness and discomfort. In contrast, Periorbital Cellulitis is a more serious infection involving the tissues surrounding the eye, leading to severe pain, swelling, and fever.
Can pink eye cause Periorbital Cellulitis?
Yes, severe bacterial pink eye, when left untreated, can potentially lead to Periorbital Cellulitis.
The infection can spread from the conjunctiva to the surrounding eye tissues, causing more serious complications.
It is advised to treat your bacterial Conjunctivitis effectively to avoid the spread of infection.
Are there any preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of getting pink eye?
Yes, several measures can be taken to prevent the risk of getting pink eye.
Practice good hand hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and avoid sharing personal items like makeup. If the problem persists or your condition worsens, seek medical help.
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