Periocular infection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to acquaint the clinician with advances in the diagnosis and management of periocular cellulitis and to alert physicians to emerging pathogens.

RECENT FINDINGS: The most important, recent infectious disease entity to consider is community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is emerging as a significant problem across the country. The potential devastation caused by necrotizing fasciitis is also reviewed, since this diagnosis is easily missed early in its course. A variety of less common and frankly atypical pathogens is presented to remind the clinician that, on occasion, the hoofbeats are indeed a zebra's.

SUMMARY: Periocular cellulitis remains an important and common entity in ophthalmology. The emergence of new pathogens and the resistance to conventional treatment by others are a cause for concern and require an understanding of management strategies.