Air quality and atmospheric pressure can lead to dry eye, according to a new study.

The study, performed by Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, looked at various environmental factors that could be affecting the eyes of people living in cities across the US.

The researchers found that people living in cities with higher levels of air pollution, such as New York and Chicago, were diagnosed with dry eye syndrome more often than those living in cities with better air quality.

Results of the study found that air pollution and atmospheric pressure had the most impact on dry eye syndrome.

The American Lung Association’s annual air quality report ranked Phoenix as the 18th most-polluted metropolitan region, as measured by year-round particle pollution. Phoenix was ranked No. 7 in 2012 and No. 2 in 2011.  While improvements have been made, there are more things that can be done.

Talk to your ophthalmologist at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons if you have symptoms of dry eye.

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