Is Your Computer Screen Affecting Your Eyes? [AUDIO]

Is sitting in front of a computer all day damaging your eyes? 

"The biggest problem with computers is eye strain and fatigue. You should sit about 25 inches from the computer, and reduce the glare from the screen by either using a screen filter or proper lighting," said Dr. Cecily Lesko, president of the New Jersey Academy of Ophthamology. "For those who suffer from dry eyes as a result of staring at the screen too long, we recommend placing a note near your desk which reminds you to blink.

Most people blink 18 times a minute, but that is cut in half when sitting in front of a computer.

If you're going to be on the computer for a long time, it's important to take a break every 20 minutes.

"Eyes can suffer in the same way that we get muscle cramps. If you're focusing really hard for an extended period of time, just close your eyes every 20 minutes or so to refocus or do something to break that cycle," Lesko said.

How do you know if your computer is affecting you?

Lesko said some of the signs include headaches, eye strain and dryness.  Your eyes may also feel like there is something in them.

Children don't suffer the same issues adults can get from eye strain since they have the ability to change the focus in their eye.  "Children can get headaches or feel tired when they're on the computer for too long, but that has a lot to do with parental monitoring and giving them limits to how much time their spending on the computer at a given time," Lesko said.