Which condition among the following typically requires hospitalization with IV antibiotics and urgent consultation?

• A. Central retinal artery occlusion.
• B. Periorbital cellulitis.
• C. Orbital cellulitis.
• D. Retinal detachment.

Answer: (C)

Orbital cellulitis is an infection inside the orbit, behind the orbital septum, and it carries a high risk of spreading to the cavernous sinus or intracranial space and causing vision loss. Because of this danger, it typically requires hospitalization for intravenous broad‑spectrum antibiotics and urgent ophthalmology (often with ENT) consultation. IV therapy ensures rapid, reliable drug levels to tackle Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and anaerobic organisms that can invade the orbit from sinusitis or adjacent infections, and imaging is usually done to assess for abscess or extent of involvement and to guide possible surgical drainage if needed.

The other conditions are distinct in that they are not treated primarily with IV antibiotics or inpatient care for infection. Central retinal artery occlusion causes sudden, painless vision loss from a vascular event, and management focuses on urgent ocular and systemic measures rather than antibiotics. Periorbital cellulitis involves infection of the eyelid anterior to the orbital septum and can often be managed with oral antibiotics as an outpatient if there are no signs of orbital involvement. Retinal detachment presents with abrupt vision changes and floaters and requires urgent ophthalmologic surgery, but not IV antibiotics for infection.