Anyone who works on a computer for 2 hours or more per day is at risk of developing a disorder called computer vision syndrome (CVS), and with today's increasingly computer dependent society that applies to more people than ever before. Combine the time you spend at work on a computer with the time you spend at home surfing the net, playing around with photos, or paying bills and you've easily exceeded that 2 hours many times over.

Signs of CVS include many of the same symptoms as computer eye strain such as dry, itchy, watery eyes and difficulty focusing. But it also includes additional symptoms like fatigue, backache, headache, and muscle spasms. CVS is caused by the eyes having difficulty focusing on the many millions of pixels that make up a computer's screen and image -- the eye muscles literally get overworked trying to focus and refocus to keep the picture sharp and clear.

Computers are wonderful time-saving tools, but like most things some attention is needed to use them safely and prevent any negative side-effects. Try following these tips to help prevent CVS:

• Position your computer monitor 20-24 inches from your face, and about 20 degrees below eye level.
• Keep any items like a document holder as close to the screen as possible.
• Avoid very bright overhead lights, and make sure any lamps or other light sources aren't glaring off the screen or pointed directly at your face (indirect lighting is best).
• Consider investing in an anti-reflective filter for the computer screen.
• Focus on an object in the distance about every 15 minutes to give your eyes a break.
• Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently.

Other things to consider that can contribute to computer-related fatigue and strain are setting up a healthy workstation and regular stretching to stay relaxed and limber throughout the day.