Which drug class is effective for treating red, itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis?

Ophthalmic medications are the most effective drug class for treating red, itchy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis. These medications are specifically formulated to be applied directly to the eyes and provide rapid relief from symptoms by addressing the underlying allergic response. They often contain active ingredients such as antihistamines or anti-inflammatory agents that promptly reduce itching, redness, and swelling.

While antihistamines can also be effective for allergy symptoms, they are generally more used systemically or in oral form, rather than targeting symptoms directly at the site of discomfort (i.e., the eyes). Intranasal steroids primarily address nasal symptoms of allergies and would not alleviate symptoms specifically in the eyes. Immunotherapy, although a viable long-term treatment option for allergies in general, does not provide immediate relief for acute symptoms like those seen in allergic conjunctivitis. Thus, ophthalmic medications are the most suitable and direct option for treating ocular symptoms resulting from allergies.