Editorial brief only. This is not finished article copy and must not be published.
Complete the article in original language, verify every medical claim against the listed sources, and obtain a real clinician review before changing its status.
Primary keyword
eye irritation from pollution
Audience
Delhi NCR residents during October to January smog
Editorial angle
Season-specific advice using AQI levels and practical protection steps, published before smog season.
Facts to source and verify
Particulate matter and gases such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone can irritate the eye surface and worsen dry eye and allergy; preservative-free lubricating drops are commonly advised for frequent use; wraparound glasses reduce exposure outdoors; rinsing eyes with clean water after outdoor exposure can help; persistent pain or reduced vision is not typical of pollution irritation and needs assessment
Article outline
H2: Quick answer: how smog affects the eyes | H2: Common symptoms in smog season | H2: Who is most affected | H2: Daily protection steps | H2: Lubricating drops: what to choose | H2: Contact lens users | H2: Children and older adults | H2: When symptoms need a doctor | H2: FAQs
Planned table
AQI action table: AQI band | Eye care step | Who should take extra care
Questions to answer
Can pollution damage eyes permanently? | Should I wash my eyes with water often? | Are eye drops safe every day in winter? | Do air purifiers help eyes? | Can I wear contact lenses in smog? | When is burning a sign of infection?
Sources to verify and cite
AAO EyeSmart (link the topic page): https://www.aao.org/eye-health | Central Pollution Control Board AQI: https://cpcb.nic.in
Internal link plan
/dry-eye-treatment | dry eye treatment in Delhi
Support links
/eye-conditions/eye-allergy | eye allergy | /blog/red-eyes-in-the-morning | red eye causes | /blog/dry-eyes-air-conditioning | dry eyes from screens
Image brief
Hazy Delhi skyline with a person wearing glasses. Alt: Smog in Delhi and eye protection
Planned call to action
Book a dry eye check: after the 'when to see a doctor' section
AI drafting prompt from workbook
You are writing a patient-education article for jaineye.com (Jain Eye Hospital & Laser Centre, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi). Write in UK/Indian English at an 8th-grade reading level, paragraphs of 3 sentences or fewer. Never use em dashes. TITLE (H1): Eye Irritation From Pollution in Delhi: Burning, Redness, Protection. URL slug: /blog/delhi-pollution-eye-irritation. Meta title: Delhi Pollution and Your Eyes: Burning and Redness. Meta description: Smog season in Delhi often brings burning, watery, red eyes. Why pollution irritates the eyes, what helps at home and at work, and when to see an eye doctor. Primary keyword: 'eye irritation from pollution' (use it or its closest natural variant in the H1, and exactly in the first 100 words, one H2 and the meta description; never stuff). Secondary keywords: burning eyes; watery eyes; dry eye; eye allergy; smog eye care. Audience: Delhi NCR residents during October to January smog. Search intent: Informational, seasonal. Angle that must make this more useful than current top results: Season-specific advice using AQI levels and practical protection steps, published before smog season. Length: 1,800 to 2,200 words. Start with a 50 to 60 word direct answer, then a 'Key facts' box with these facts: Particulate matter and gases such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone can irritate the eye surface and worsen dry eye and allergy; preservative-free lubricating drops are commonly advised for frequent use; wraparound glasses reduce exposure outdoors; rinsing eyes with clean water after outdoor exposure can help; persistent pain or reduced vision is not typical of pollution irritation and needs assessment. Use exactly this outline: H2: Quick answer: how smog affects the eyes | H2: Common symptoms in smog season | H2: Who is most affected | H2: Daily protection steps | H2: Lubricating drops: what to choose | H2: Contact lens users | H2: Children and older adults | H2: When symptoms need a doctor | H2: FAQs. Include this table as an HTML table: AQI action table: AQI band | Eye care step | Who should take extra care. End with an FAQ section answering these questions in 40 to 80 words each: Can pollution damage eyes permanently? | Should I wash my eyes with water often? | Are eye drops safe every day in winter? | Do air purifiers help eyes? | Can I wear contact lenses in smog? | When is burning a sign of infection?. Internal links: add the main money-page link (/dry-eye-treatment | dry eye treatment in Delhi) once in the first third and once in the conclusion; also add: /eye-conditions/eye-allergy | eye allergy | /blog/red-eyes-in-the-morning | red eye causes | /blog/dry-eyes-air-conditioning | dry eyes from screens. Cite these sources with links: AAO EyeSmart (link the topic page): https://www.aao.org/eye-health | Central Pollution Control Board AQI: https://cpcb.nic.in. Add byline 'Jain Eye Hospital editorial team', the line 'Medically reviewed by Dr Rajat Jain (cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon), [qualifications], DMC Reg. [number], on [date]' and a 'Last updated [date]' line. Add the AI-assistance disclosure line from the jaineye.com editorial policy (NMC 2026 requires AI-generated content to be labelled). CTA: Book a dry eye check: after the 'when to see a doctor' section. Hindi terms to mention naturally: aankhon mein jalan; pradushan. Hero image brief: Hazy Delhi skyline with a person wearing glasses. Alt: Smog in Delhi and eye protection. Output also the JSON-LD for Article + MedicalWebPage + FAQPage + BreadcrumbList. Compliance (India NMC, 6 Oct 2026): no 'best', 'No.1', 'top', 'guaranteed', '100%', 'painless' as a promise, 'permanent cure', success rates, patient numbers, testimonials, before/after images, discounts or free offers; fees only as factual indicative ranges; no other hospital names; no lists of localities. Do not copy text from any website. Mark any fact you are unsure of as [VERIFY] for the doctor reviewer.
Medical reviewer: Hospital to assign and confirm. Review status: Not medically reviewed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education only and does not replace a personal consultation with an eye specialist.