FORT MYERS, Fla. - Many of us spend hours each day sitting in front of a computer, and that blurry-eyed feeling we get sometimes is all too familiar. But if it's happening a lot, it may be a sign you need to see an eye doctor.

"CVS" stands for computer vision syndrome." Explains Brian Marhue, O.D., a board-certified optometrist with Southwest Florida Eye Care. "Its a newly recognized syndrome. When I say new, no one even knew about it until computer use became common."

Dr. Marhue has seen a huge increase recently in the number of patients experiencing computer vision syndrome.

"Its been estimated to be anywhere from 14-40% of people who use computers have it." He explains. "The symptoms include things like blurred vision, fatigue of the eye, strain of the eye, headaches, some people will complain of things like double vision."

If that sounds familiar, see an eye doctor. He or she can determine the severity of your needs and prescribe drops, change the strength of your glasses or contacts, or even suggest eye exercises.

Most of the time CVS does not cause permanent damage, but it certainly causes discomfort and often a loss of productivity. One of the best ways to avoid the problem? Give your eyes a break every hour from the screen, preferably for ten minutes or more.

Tips to help alleviate vision problems associated with heavy computer use:

- Clean the computer screen on a regular basis to remove dust and dirt.

- Be conscious of color in terms of background screens and characters. Dark letters on a light background are generally more legible and easier on the eyes than light letters on a dark background. Green, yellow-orange, blue and red characters can be more difficult to read and should be used cautiously.

- The distance from the eyes to the computer screen should be 20 to 28 inches, depending on the size of characters on the screen.

- The eyes should gaze downward (to view the screen) about 15 degrees to reduce eye strain. The top of the computer screen should be below the horizontal eye level of the user and tilted back slightly, at about a 10-to-20 degree angle.

- Workplace lighting is one of the biggest culprits contributing to vision problems. Light can be about one half that in a normal room. Bright light, natural or otherwise, contributes to glare and reflections on computer screens. Windows should be shaded to control light throughout the day and overhead lights should be lower wattage. Screen filters can be used to reduce glare and reflections.

- Frequent breaks are critical during long periods of computer use. Many experts recommend at least a 10 minute break to relax the eyes and muscles for every hour of computer use.

- Blink frequently to lubricate the eyes.