Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand stands on the precipice of becoming a “super-aged society,” a demographic shift poised to exert significant pressure on its economy, welfare systems, and healthcare infrastructure. Underscoring the urgency, a new Asia-Pacific survey by biotechnology leader Roche reveals a startling trend: nearly one in five middle-aged and elderly Thais have never had an eye examination, the highest rate of neglect in the region. This widespread oversight, coupled with a common misconception that vision loss is a normal part of aging, is raising serious concerns about preventable blindness, particularly from conditions like neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and foreshadows escalating healthcare costs and economic burdens on families and the nation.
Thailand’s demographic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Data from the National Statistical Office paints a stark picture: in 2024, citizens aged 60 and over constituted 20.70% of the population. Projections indicate an accelerated aging trend, with this figure expected to surge past 30% by 2033. This trajectory firmly places Thailand on the path to becoming a “Super Aged Society,” typically defined as having over 28% of the population above 60 years old or more than 20% over 65. This demographic milestone isn’t just a statistic; it represents a complex web of challenges spanning economic productivity, social welfare provision, and, critically, the mounting health needs of an aging populace, where age-related deterioration becomes increasingly prevalent.
Within this context, the health of the nation’s eyes emerges as a critical, yet dangerously overlooked, issue. The Roche Asia-Pacific Vision Health Survey 2024, encompassing eight key markets including Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Korea, delivered a wake-up call. It found that Thailand leads the region in the neglect of basic eye health screenings, with a significant portion (nearly 20%) of its middle-aged and older population admitting to never having visited an ophthalmologist. Compounding this issue is a pervasive belief – held by over 93% of Thai respondents – that deteriorating eyesight is simply an inevitable consequence of growing older, rather than a potential indicator of serious, treatable conditions.
This disconnect between perception and reality has tangible consequences for the quality of life among Thailand’s seniors. Eye health is not a peripheral concern; it is central to maintaining independence, mobility, and overall well-being. Data from the Department of Health Service Support, based on screenings of 7 million elderly individuals across 12 health zones, identified vision problems as the most common form of health deterioration encountered.
Ms. Kobkul Kwangsuan, a Specialist in Elderly Affairs at the Department of Older Persons, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The circumstances facing Thailand’s elderly population have changed dramatically,” she stated. “Eye health problems are increasingly impacting their quality of life, affecting both physical and mental well-being. As healthcare expenses naturally rise with age, regular eye examinations become paramount. Our eyes are vital organs for daily living.” She noted that declining vision creates ripple effects, impacting not only the individual senior but also placing burdens on their families and caregivers.
The Roche survey further highlights a critical gap between awareness and action. While approximately three-quarters of Thai respondents acknowledged the risk of vision loss in old age, practical application lags significantly – only half of those over 60 reported undergoing regular eye examinations. “This gap is a challenge the government is actively working to address,” Ms. Kobkul remarked. She pointed out that access to care can be uneven, with vulnerable elderly groups potentially facing greater difficulties in obtaining necessary check-ups and treatments compared to those with strong family support networks. “The Department of Older Persons strongly encourages elderly individuals experiencing vision problems to seek timely examinations. This is crucial for preventing complications and preserving a good quality of life,” she urged.
Ms. Kobkul also detailed proactive governmental efforts, including the support for nearly 30,000 elderly clubs and over 3,000 elderly schools nationwide. “These initiatives provide knowledge, promote skills, offer information on welfare rights and benefits, and facilitate recreational activities,” she explained. “Crucially, we emphasize empowering the elderly to remain active, lead normal lives, continue working where possible, and reduce dependency.”
From a clinical perspective, the implications of neglected eye care are severe. Professor Paradee Kunavisarut, M.D., a Retina specialist at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, corroborated the prevalence of vision issues, citing data from the Department of Elderly Affairs that identifies cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma as the four most common eye diseases among Thai seniors. The Roche survey finding that over 54% of Thai respondents experience vision problems aligns with patient statistics observed in hospitals.
Professor Paradee warned against dismissing symptoms. “The elderly often tragically misunderstand symptoms like blurred vision or distortion as a normal part of aging or simple eye strain,” she explained. “This misconception leads them to ignore the need for examinations and treatment.” She highlighted a particularly serious condition prevalent among the elderly: neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). “nAMD occurs due to the growth of abnormal, fragile blood vessels beneath the retina. These vessels can leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid and severe deterioration of central vision.” Symptoms like sudden blurred vision or seeing floating black spots demand immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist. “Delaying treatment for nAMD can result in irreversible vision loss,” Professor Paradee stressed.
Current treatments for nAMD vary. Laser therapy can slow progression but offers limited vision improvement. Intravitreal injections, which target factors promoting abnormal blood vessel growth, represent a major advancement and can improve vision, though historically requiring frequent administration. Professor Paradee noted, however, that “newer innovations now target two main disease mechanisms with longer-lasting effects.” Surgery remains an option for specific complications like vascular membrane issues or retinal detachment. “The optimal treatment depends entirely on the individual patient’s condition, making expert consultation with an ophthalmologist absolutely essential for appropriate care,” she added.
The consequences of untreated vision problems extend beyond sight itself. “These symptoms can contribute to broader health problems,” Professor Paradee warned, “including difficulties with basic activities like eating, a significantly increased risk of falls – which can lead to fractures and further immobility – and potentially even progressing to becoming bedridden.” She strongly advocated for proactive care: “Annual eye examinations, or immediate medical consultation when unusual symptoms arise, are key. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can lead to effective treatment and the prevention of permanent blindness.” Her message was unequivocal: “Regular eye check-ups should be a priority. Don’t delay consulting an ophthalmologist, especially if you have diabetes or experience any vision changes. Early diagnosis can pave the way for treatments that may effectively cure certain eye issues.”
The economic dimension of this health crisis cannot be overstated. Mr. Matthew Coates, General Manager of Roche Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, contextualized the issue within the broader ASEAN region, noting that Thailand has the second-highest proportion of elderly individuals relative to its total population, trailing only Singapore. The Roche survey powerfully captured the anxieties associated with vision loss among Thais. A striking 57.8% – the highest figure in the Asia-Pacific region – expressed concern about potential mental health issues stemming from vision problems. Furthermore, 42.4% feared a significant decline in their overall quality of life.
These fears translate into tangible economic burdens. “These concerns not only undermine mental health but also lead to increased treatment costs – encompassing medications, examinations, specialist consultations – and the substantial indirect costs associated with vision impairment, which often necessitates dependency on others,” Mr. Coates explained.
He emphasized that investing in preventative care, specifically regular eye examinations, offers significant long-term savings for individuals, families, and the healthcare system. This aligns directly with another stark finding from the Roche survey: the profound financial strain on caregivers. Nearly half of those caring for elderly patients reported experiencing financial difficulties directly related to their caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, a third (33%) saw a drop in their personal income, and over a third (36%) struggled with decreased work efficiency – figures that again position Thailand at the highest level in the region for these specific caregiver burdens.
In response to these converging challenges, Roche is actively engaging in collaborative efforts. “We are working closely with various hospitals across Thailand to promote eye health education for the elderly,” Mr. Coates stated. This involves creating and distributing easy-to-understand learning materials, such as brochures and informational videos, designed for broad accessibility. “Our collaboration extends to ophthalmologists and hospitals nationwide, aiming to raise awareness about the vital importance of eye health and the potential risks of neglect. Our core mission is to encourage regular eye examinations, ideally starting by the age of 40, complementing the government’s provision of free eye examination rights for all Thais.”
“This collaborative effort is dedicated not just to enhancing eye health for the elderly,” Mr. Coates concluded, “but ultimately to ensuring that all individuals in Thailand can enjoy the benefits of healthy vision throughout their lives, contributing to a healthier, more productive, and higher-quality future for the nation as it navigates its demographic transition.”
The convergence of Thailand’s rapid aging and the widespread neglect of fundamental eye care creates an urgent imperative for action. Addressing the misconceptions surrounding vision loss, improving access to regular screenings, and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment for conditions like nAMD are critical steps not only for preserving individual sight and well-being but also for mitigating the escalating economic and social costs associated with preventable blindness in an aging population.
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