Aussies urged to Fly a Kite For Sight

Experts say a short time outside each day may help reduce the occurrence of near-sightedness

Being stuck in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s mental health, but it may also have had an effect on your eyesight.

Now a new campaign is urging Australians to get a little sunshine each day by flying a kite, which helps reduce the onset of near-sightedness, particularly in children.

The Fly a Kite For Sight campaign has been launched by Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP), which is rolling it out in communities across Australia over the coming months.

It comes in response to increased rates of myopia (near-sightedness), a common vision problem that causes blurriness when looking at distant objects.   

This can create further issues as myopia is associated with retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.

Rodney Jackson, an optometrist and technical advisor to LEHP, said evidence shows that sunlight has special properties beneficial to vision health. 

“Flying a kite outdoors is a simple, low cost and effective method to help prevent myopia onset,” Jackson said. 

“We encourage Australians to get outside to an open area with your family and fly a kite. Overcome the increase in time spent on electronic devices by getting out in the sun.

“Do it in the morning to avoid exposure to UV light, do it with your family, do it while following social distancing and have fun.”

Lions Clubs are encouraging people to submit a photo or video of them flying a kite as part of a national competition – with prizes for best designed kite, best photo and best video. 

LEHP has produced a sample kite template with construction instructions which can be downloaded here.