What is the primary treatment for orbital cellulitis?

The primary treatment for orbital cellulitis is the administration of intravenous antibiotics. This approach is essential because orbital cellulitis can lead to severe complications, such as vision loss and the spread of infection to the brain, if not treated promptly and effectively. Intravenous antibiotics provide a rapid and potent delivery that is crucial in managing the infection effectively, as they achieve higher concentrations in the bloodstream and surrounding tissues compared to oral antibiotics.

In contrast, while oral antibiotics may be effective in milder cases of infection, they are typically insufficient for treating orbital cellulitis due to the severity and potential complications associated with the condition. Topical ointments are generally not appropriate, as they do not penetrate deep enough to address the systemic infection that is present in orbital cellulitis. Surgery may be indicated in some cases, particularly if there is an abscess formation that needs to be drained, but intravenous antibiotics are the primary treatment to stabilize the patient and address the infection initially.