What condition is characterized by a bacterial infection posterior to the orbital septum?

Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition that occurs when a bacterial infection affects the tissues located posterior to the orbital septum, which separates the eyelid and superficial structures from the deeper orbital contents. This infection can often result from the spread of bacteria from adjacent structures, such as the sinuses, and can lead to significant complications, including vision loss and the spread of infection to the brain.

The key distinguishing feature of orbital cellulitis is its location and the presence of symptoms such as proptosis (bulging of the eye), decreased visual acuity, pain with eye movement, and possible fever, reflecting the more severe nature of the infection when compared to other eye-related infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the infection and associated complications, making it critical for healthcare providers to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition quickly.

In contrast, pre-septal cellulitis, which affects the eyelids and the area anterior to the orbital septum, consists of a less severe infection and does not typically involve the deeper orbital structures. Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, often due to viral or allergic causes, and does not involve a bacterial infection beneath the orbital septum. Blepharitis is