This paper provides an appreciation of the various forms and consequences of retinal inflammation caused by human herpesviruses. Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus are known to cause retinitis. The prognosis of herpetic retinitis remains poor because it is associated with a high incidence of complications, both during and after the acute disease phase. On diagnosis of retinal necrosis, antiviral treatment must be started promptly to limit disease progression; following this, prophylactic maintenance therapy may be required.