They eye orbit is made up of bones and tissue that create the cavity for the eye. Some people refer to this as the "eye socket." The orbit helps protect the eye and keeps it in place. If a condition affects the orbit, this may result in temporary or permanent changes in vision, as well as affect the overall health of the eye.
Blowout Fracture
Trauma, usually a forceful hit to the cheek or eyebrow, may fracture "one or more of the bones surrounding the eye," says the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. This is called a blowout fracture, or an orbital floor fracture. An orbital fracture will often cause bruising and tenderness of the skin surrounding the eye. Severe injury may cause vision or pain with eye movement. Blowout fractures require immediate medical evaluation. The doctor will determine if the fracture requires surgical repair or if the fracture will heal on its own. Most blowout fractures heal well without lasting effects.
Orbital Cellulitis
Doctors refer to an infection in the tissue around the eye as orbital cellulitis. Bacteria, "a stye on the eyelid, bug bites or a recent eyelid surgery" may cause the condition, according to the National Library of Medicine. The condition occurs in all age groups, though young children are more susceptible to the condition. Symptoms include eyelid swelling, fever and blurry vision; especially in children, the symptoms often worsen rapidly. Left untreated, orbital cellutlitis may cause permanent vision loss, including blindness. A course of intravenous antibiotics will usually treat the condition with good results.
Proptosis
Proptosis is a condition where the eyes appear to bulge out of the eye socket. For some people, the prominent eyes do not indicate disease, but are simply a genetic trait, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, thyroid disease, tumors and other conditions may push the eyes forward. In such cases, doctors must determine the cause and the available treatments. In the meantime, eye irritation may occur since the eyelids cannot completely close and lubricate the eyes' surface during blinking. Artificial tears or a thick eye lubricant may help ease discomfort. Some cases of proptosis require surgical correction.
