When is an urgent referral necessary for a patient with orbital cellulitis?

An urgent referral for a patient with orbital cellulitis is necessary immediately upon presentation of symptoms due to the potential for serious complications. Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can lead to vision loss, intracranial infection, or other significant morbidities if not treated promptly. The condition often arises from a sinus infection or after trauma and can progress rapidly, making it crucial to seek specialist intervention as soon as symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, redness, and vision changes appear.

Timely referral is vital for appropriate assessment and management, which may include imaging studies, intravenous antibiotics, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to drain any abscesses or relieve pressure. Delaying treatment until symptoms persist for more than a week, only considering surgical options after initial management, or waiting for additional symptoms such as headaches could lead to adverse outcomes, which underscores the importance of immediate action upon symptom presentation.