Orbital Cellulitis - Have Ayurveda At Your Rescue!

Infection of the soft tissues in the eye socket is known as orbital cellulitis. It is a serious infection that can cause permanent vision damage and fatal complications. Such an infection can occur at any age, although it commonly affects children. It is known as orbital cellulitis since it develops behind the eyeball, i.e. in the orbit of the eye.

One may also suffer from Periorbital Cellulitis when the infection occurs in front of the eyeball. Such an infection can spread to the skin around the eye but is less serious compared to orbital cellulitis. Nevertheless, both kinds of cellulitis require immediate attention.

Symptoms

Orbital cellulitis is a kind of infection that involves the muscle and fat tissues in the orbit of eyes. The infection precipitates an inflammation of the soft tissues which, in effect, can push out the eye of the orbit. This leads to swelling, pain, and protrusion of the eye.

However, there may also be other symptoms like:

• Limited movement of eyeballs or pain while moving the eyeballs

• Sudden loss of vision

• Swollen and red eyelid

• Difficult opening of eyes

• Discharge from eye

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Headache, etc.

Treatment

Since the infection can spread rapidly, it needs to be treated early. Treatment may include the application of antibiotics, surgical intervention, etc.

• Using Antibiotics: Immediate application of antibiotics is the primary recommendation of any doctor when you are diagnosed with orbital cellulitis. The antibiotic has to be administered intravenously.

• Surgical Intervention: It includes draining the accumulated fluid from the infected eye, removing foreign objects, if any, getting a culture sample for analysis, and application of precise antibiotics.

Despite these treatments being available, it must be said that treating orbital cellulitis is a difficult task. Ayurveda can be a potent remedy against this dreaded disease.

Ayurveda For Orbital Cellulitis

Studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of herbs in treating orbital cellulitis. For one such study, researchers adopted the Bidalaka procedure as laid down in ancient Ayurvedic text. The procedure entails the application of a paste of selected herbs on the eyelid. It is a concoction of herbs having analgesics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory as well as soothing property. This line of treatment is also similar to a conventional line of treatment. Owing to the unique mode of application, the bioavailability of all the herbs in the paste is more. This leads to a high rate of absorption of the beneficial elements which in turn can offer quick relief from symptoms. In the study, the bidalaka procedure has led to significant improvement in symptoms of the patient.

Take Away

Infection is the Orbital Cellulitis can be cured with proper care and Ayurvedic treatment. However, it is always advisable to consult an ayurvedic specialist before going for any of Ayurvedic herbs and treatment.