Sacramento CA, March 1, 2005 - Eyestrain, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches are symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS), a medical condition caused by prolonged computer use that impacts millions of Americans every year.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), some 75 million Americans have jobs that require them to sit in front of a computer for many hours a day. NIOSH estimates more than half of these workers may develop CVS.

"There is no longer any doubt that computer vision syndrome is a very real health condition and that it adversely affects work performance," says VSP network doctor Stephen Glasser, O.D., of Washington, D.C., who specializes in treating the condition. "Computers represent a new kind of work environment that needs special attention."

With March designated 'Save Your Vision Month,' Dr. Glasser recommends these strategies for dealing with CVS:

Blink often. Blinking bathes your eyes in tears, and tears are naturally therapeutic for the eyes.

Give your eyes a rest. Look away from the screen at least every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away.

Reduce glare and reflections. Your eyes are forced to work harder because they are trying to ignore glare and also see what's on your screen.

Adjust your monitor. The screen should be at least an arm's length away from your eyes, with the center about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes.

Consider computer eyeglasses. These eyeglasses may have variable-focus lenses, with part of the lens for computer viewing and part for keyboard and paper viewing.

Consult your eye doctor. An eye doctor helps you find solutions, including adjustments to your office environment, special eyewear, eye drops or a combination approach.

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With more than 39 million members nationwide, one in eight people in the United States relies on VSP for eyecare health coverage. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped more than 250,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. VSP, a company with over $2 billion in annual gross revenue, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine for the sixth consecutive year as one of best places to work in America. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

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