The Eye of Heru is one of the most recognizable of Kemetic symbols. During his battles with Set, one of Heru's eyes was destroyed. Later, one of the Neteru—usually mentioned as Hathor or Tehuti—poured milk into the eye socket to heal it. Most often in the texts, the left eye of Heru is the one that is destroyed and later healed. The milky appearance of the damaged eye is associated with the Moon; while Heru's right eye is associated with the Sun.

The Eye of Heru as a symbol represents divine protection (particularly in very dangerous situations) and healing. It was considered useful in warding off diseases, curses, and the "evil eye".