SHERMAN, TX -- Sixty percent of parents say their children spend up to four hours a day looking at digital device screens. That's according to a new survey from the American Optometric Association. But the hours staring at a computer comes with a cost. It's called "Computer Vision Syndrome".

With smart phones, tablets and other digital tools now being added to school curriculums, it's no wonder kids spend so much time using these devices. "Computer Vision Syndrome" or CVS is an eye condition caused by prolonged digital use.

Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burning or tired eyes,loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.

Pre-existing vision problems, like farsightedness or astigmatism,
can also add to the irritation that comes along with computer vision syndrome. But there's hope.

The American Optometric Association suggests guidelines to help prevent or reduce CVS like proper positioning of the height and distance between you and the digital screen, checking for glare on screens and visiting an optometrist at least once a year.

Opthalmologist Dr. Cling Long of the Long Vision Center says, although there aren't any chronic effects of long term computer use,
we should still be aware that while concentrating, we actually blink less.

"Your eyes will tend to dry out when you do this for a prolonged period of time," said Long. "So taking frequent breaks and lubricating your eyes with artificial tears can help dramatically. ."

Coming up on Friday, an in-depth focus on the effects of CVS on our kids. Find out alternative actions to help decrease electronic usage and increase outdoor activity.