If long hours at the computer make your eyes feel dry, your vision blurry or your head hurt, simple adjustments can help get you back to the comfort zone.

Computer Vision Syndrome is recognized as a condition by the American Optometric Association because it affects so many people.

When absorbed in computer work, you may tend to blink less often while staring at the monitor. When you don’t blink, your eyes become dry, so being aware of this and being conscious of your blink rate can make your eyes stay moist and comfortable.

Rest your eyes by looking away from the computer for 20 seconds occasionally. Multitask with non-computer work to give your eyes a quick time-out every 20 minutes or so.

If you use reading glasses, you may find that you need a different prescription for computer use than you do for other reading, based on the computer’s distance from your eyes.

There are also glasses and filter screens designed to help reduce glare and minimize eyestrain.

In winter months a humidifier at home can add moisture to the air to help your eyes feel less dry.

If you wear contact lenses or glasses and eyestrain or headaches persist, an eye exam can help determine if you need a special prescription to accommodate your computer habits.