Orbital Cellulitis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.
Orbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your child's eye and the tissue around his or her eye. The nerves that go to the eye are also infected. Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition that can lead to blindness.
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WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics treat the bacterial infection. Antibiotics are given through an IV.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Steroids help decrease redness and swelling of your child's eye.
Tests:
- A vision test may show how well your child can see and move his or her eye. Your child's eye pressure may also be checked.
- Blood tests may show how well your child's infection responds to treatment.
- A sample of fluid or tissue from your child's eye or sinuses may be needed. This sample may show what areas are infected and if a different antibiotic is needed for treatment.
- A CT or MRI may show an abscess, rupture (tear), a blood clot, or other problems. Your child may be given contrast liquid to help his or her eye show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not let your child enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has any metal in or on his or her body.
- A lumbar puncture may show infection, bleeding around your child's brain or spinal cord, or other problems. A needle is inserted in your child's back and fluid is removed from around the spinal cord. The fluid is sent for tests.
Surgery
may be needed if your child's infection is severe and his or her vision is damaged. Surgery is also needed if an abscess or nasal sinus needs to be drained, or to remove a foreign object.
RISKS:
The infection may spread deeper in your child's eye socket or spread to the other eye. This can lead to blindness. If the infection spreads to your child's brain, life-threatening blood clots or an infection can develop.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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