Barts and The London Children's Eye Service
To make an accurate diagnosis of peri-orbital cellulitis blood tests, eye swabs, x-rays and CT scans may be needed. Peri-orbital cellulitis is treated with intravenous (injected) antibiotics and in very rare instances surgical intervention may be required. For this reason all children with this condition are admitted and are treated as inpatients.
Prompt treatment of peri-orbital cellulitis is essential as, if left untreated, it can lead can lead to permanent loss of vision and/or neurological complications. All children with this condition are managed by a multi-disciplinary team that includes ophthalmologists, paediatricians, ENT surgeons, pharmacists and microbiologists.
For referring clinicians
Download care pathway for peri-orbital cellulitis