The authors present a "Classification of Externai Diseases of the Eye" aiming to standardize the language, to help with in the teaching of residents and fellows and to facilitate intercommunication and organization of multicentric studies. The most common externai diseases of the eye were divided in to eight groups: A - Congenital anomalies; B - Dystrophies; C - Degenerations; D - Ectatic diseases; E - Infections and ínflammations; F - Pigmentary deposits; G - Tumors preneoplastic lesions; and H - Trauma e Postoperative complications. The concepts, criteria of classification and references used are discussed.
Key words:
Classification; External eye diseases; Cornea