There is no place for topical or oral antibiotic therapy in the management of orbital cellulitis. Optimal management involves immediate consultation with and referral to a primary care physician, pediatrician, or infectious disease specialist. This is especially important with children as the potential for mortality is great. The patient needs immediate hospitalization with in-patient parenteral antibiosis. When encountering a suspected orbital cellulitis, look for precipitating factors such as sinus infection, bite wounds, dental abscess, and penetrating injury.
Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency and requires in-patient care.
Patients with orbital cellulitis are systemically ill. The presence of fever is highly diagnostic of post-septal orbital cellulitis.