Evidence from quality trials have shown significant reduction in risk of pain with valaciclovir and famciclovir for management of herpes zoster including ophthalmicus. Valaciclovir or famciclovir should be preferred treatment options in patients with herpes zoster as they both provide significant reduction in risk of herpes-zoster-associated pain. Furthermore, the superior pharmacokinetics and more convenient dosing regimens with the use of valaciclovir and famciclovir clearly make them the preferred treatment option.