Varicella (chickenpox) is a common disease of childhood. When the Varicella zoster virus becomes reactived later in life, the disorder is termed herpes zoster. The lifetime risk of contracting a herpes zoster infection is 10–20% and can result in a multitude of local and systemic complications. When the eye is involved, the infection and sequelae may result in chronic pain, scaring, blindness and loss of the eye. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and its complications.