What is a commonly used treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?

The treatment of choice for allergic conjunctivitis is antihistamine eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) gets inflamed due to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Antihistamines work by inhibiting the action of histamines released during an allergic response, which helps to reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Antibiotic eye drops are specific to bacterial infections and are not effective in treating allergic conditions since they target bacteria rather than the histamine response that causes the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Steroid eye drops can be used for more severe inflammatory responses, but they are typically not the first-line treatment due to potential side effects with long-term use. Glaucoma medications are designed to lower intraocular pressure and don't address the inflammation or symptoms related to allergic conjunctivitis. Therefore, antihistamine eye drops stand out as the most appropriate and commonly used treatment for managing this condition.