Does sinusitis cause eye discomfort and cheek swelling?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had a blurry right eye, pain in my eyes, and slight swelling on the right cheek for a week. Can this be a sinusitis issue? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Sinusitis complications can result in cellulitis (a painful skin infection) around the eye, pain, and decreased vision. Mostly ethmoidal sinusitis (a painful condition that occurs when the ethmoid sinuses, which are located between the eyes and nose, become inflamed) can cause this problem.

Internal to the cheek is the maxillary sinus, which if infected, normally does not cause visual disturbances. However, any maxillary sinus mass pushing the globe of the eye upwards can cause visual problems. To be sure of the same we need to take a CT (computed tomography) scan of paranasal sinuses to see the exact anatomy of your sinuses, and also any pathology present in the same.

For how long have you been having the cheek swelling? Do you have pain? Any loose tooth, painful tooth, or infected tooth? Any difficulty in swallowing or breathing? Any color change of the overlying skin of the cheek? Have you suffered a sinusitis problem before? Do you get headaches or facial pains? Have you had any treatment for the same before?

Regarding eye problems, I suggest you consult with an ophthalmologist for the best treatment. Meanwhile, kindly elaborate on the details I have asked you so that we can find out if indeed you have a sinus problem that might be causing the blurry eye.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand from your description of the swelling and associated symptoms, that it is mostly of infective etiology.

In such patients, I usually give a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A course of Amoxclav (Amoxycillin and Clavulanic acid) 625 mg taken twice a day after food for five days with Trypsin-Chymotrypsin (Chymoral Forte) taken twice a day for three days after food should suffice for the swelling. For pain, take a tablet of paracetamol 650 mg SOS, and do hot fomentation over the cheek if the swelling is external. You may also take steam inhalation.

If with the above you are not getting relief then, please consult with an otolaryngologist for the cheek swelling, as it may need some investigations and further clinical examination.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.