Very simply, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems experienced when spending long hours in front of a computer screen. In this day and age, where students and working adults spend hours and hours on end in front of the computer screen, CVS is more common than you think. It has been said that people who spend more than a mere two hours on a computer each day tend to suffer from this ailment.

Statistics show that, in general, such eye and vision problems afflict some 70 to 75 percent of people with desk-bound jobs who work in front of the computer. This makes CVS the most frequently reported health problem among these computer workers.

How do you know you have Computer Vision Syndrome? The signs are clear. Headaches, burning or tired eyes, double vision or blurred vision, the loss of focus, general eye strain, dry eyes, light sensitivity, chronic neck and shoulder pains - all these problems point to the fact that you've been working far too many hours in front of the computer without a break.

Another less common symptom is the slowness in the changing of focus of sight. This can be better explained by a slight delay in the eye's ability to bring the newer image into focus when quickly shifting the sight from something in the distance to something closer by, or vice versa. The overuse of the focusing muscles tires the eyes and eye strain is often accompanied by a dry or burning sensation.

There is really no one who isn't at risk of developing the syndrome - it's an eye problem that afflicts anyone, from child to mature adult, who spends at least a couple of hours in front of the computer everyday.

Of course, your work environment contributes significantly to the problem. If your office or work station has inadequate or harsh fluorescent lighting, you're at risk. If your computer gets much of the glare from the windows on a sunny day, you're at risk. If you sit too near or too far from the computer monitor, or the colour of the text background on the monitor and the manner in which the contents are displayed on the screen can also put you at risk of developing CVS.

To prevent or minimize Computer Vision Syndrome, take regular breaks from the computer monitor - once every 30 minutes thereabouts - and walk about periodically. Stare out the window at some lush greenery. If you're in the middle of an urban jungle, gaze at a green plant or soothing green object instead.

Here are a number of ways to help reduce computer eyestrain:

• Use proper lighting: Excessively bright light sources, often from outside or from fluorescent light indoors, are a common cause of eyestrain. When on a computer, make sure that your ambient lighting is about half that in most offices. Draw the curtains or blinds; reduce the number of lights you switch on indoors. Position your monitor next to a window rather than facing it or with your back to it.
• Match your environment to your computer screen: Calibrate the brightness of your work environment as closely as possible to your computer monitor. Adjust the monitor to make sure the contrast between the screen background and the on-screen characters is high.
• Cut the glare: Eyestrain can also be caused by the glare off the walls and other finished, shiny surfaces, and reflections on the computer screen. One way to reduce glare is to install an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Also, consider painting bright white walls a matte, darker tone.
• Blink more: Blinking rewets your eyes and helps avoid dryness and irritation. It is normal, when working at a computer, to blink less frequently. Offices are air-conditioned and are very dry environments - which reduce tearing. Make a conscious effort to blink and re-hydrate those eyes!
• Eye yoga: Give your eyes a much-needed break and recharge session every half an hour. Look away from your computer screen and focus on a distant object for five to 10 seconds. Or look at a distance object for 10 to 15 seconds and then refocus on a near object for another 10 to 15 seconds. Alternate your focus near and far for 10 repetitions.