OphthalmologyENT
Orbital vs Preseptal Cellulitis
Distinguish (preseptal — anterior to orbital septum, less severe; orbital — sight + life-threatening); CT, IV antibiotics, drainage.
Source: RCOphth; ENT UK
Step 1 of ~4
info
Distinguish
Preseptal (periorbital) cellulitis: anterior to orbital septum.
• Eyelid swelling + erythema.
• Vision normal.
• Eye movements normal.
• No proptosis, no chemosis, no pain on eye movement.
Orbital cellulitis: posterior to septum — emergency.
• ANY of: ↓ vision, painful eye movements, restricted EOM, proptosis, chemosis, RAPD, fever, systemic illness.
• Risk: cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, blindness.
Most commonly from sinusitis (especially ethmoidal); also dental, trauma.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Tezepelumab (CRSwNP / Severe Asthma) · Anti-TSLP (Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin) Monoclonal Antibody
- Bendroflumethiazide · Thiazide Diuretic
- Factor IX Concentrate · Coagulation Factor Replacement — Haemophilia B
- Quinine · Antimalarial — Severe / Complicated Malaria (IV) / Nocturnal Cramps (Oral)
- Amphotericin B (Ophthalmic — Severe Fungal Keratitis/Endophthalmitis) · Antifungal — Polyene (Ophthalmic Compounded / Systemic IV)
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
Pathways
- Acute Red Eye / Vision Loss Screen · RCOphth 2020; NICE CKS
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension · ABN; consensus 2018
- Acute Red Eye Assessment · RCOphth / AAO
- Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma · RCOphth / EGS Guidelines
- Retinal Detachment · RCOphth Guidelines / EURETINA
- Diabetic Retinopathy — Screening and Management · NICE NG28 2016 / NHS DES Programme
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.