Thailand Braces for Super-Aged Society as Roche Survey Highlights Alarming Neglect of Eye Health Among Elderly

Roche Thailand sounds the alarm amid the nation’s rapid aging, urging seniors to prioritize regular eye examinations. Ophthalmologists warn that blurred vision is not a benign sign of aging but could indicate severe eye conditions, emphasizing that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing irreversible vision loss.

Thailand is confronting significant demographic shifts as it transitions into an aged society. Data from the National Statistical Office of Thailand in 2024 revealed that individuals aged 60 and over constitute a substantial 20.70% of the total population. Projections indicate an even more pronounced transformation, with the elderly population expected to exceed 30% by 2033. This demographic evolution will officially categorize Thailand as a “Super Aged Society,” a designation applied when more than 28% of the population is over 60 years old or over 20% is 65 years or older. This profound demographic change presents multifaceted challenges spanning economic stability, welfare provisions, and the escalating healthcare demands associated with age-related health decline.

In light of this evolving demographic landscape, Roche, a globally recognized biotechnology leader, conducted the Asia-Pacific Vision Health Survey 2024. The findings of this survey have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the eye health of Thailand’s aging population. The survey revealed that nearly one in five middle-aged and elderly Thais have never consulted an ophthalmologist for routine eye examinations. Alarmingly, Thailand exhibits the highest rate of neglect towards eye health check-ups among the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, which included Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Further analysis of the survey data indicates a prevailing misconception among the Thai populace, with over 93% of respondents believing that vision loss is an inevitable consequence of the aging process.

Eyes: A Cornerstone of Quality of Life for Seniors

The survey underscores that maintaining optimal eye health is paramount to preserving the quality of life for the elderly. The Department of Health Service Support has corroborated this concern through its screening of seven million elderly individuals across 12 health zones, identifying vision problems as the most prevalent form of health deterioration within this demographic.

Kobkul Kwangsuan, a Specialist in Elderly Affairs at the Department of Older Persons, emphasized the significant transformation in the circumstances of Thailand’s elderly population. She noted that eye health issues have emerged as a critical factor impacting their overall well-being, affecting both their physical and mental health. As healthcare expenses for older individuals invariably increase with age, regular eye examinations become even more vital, given the indispensable role of vision in daily life. Declining vision not only compromises the health of the elderly but also places a burden on their families.

The Roche survey further highlighted a critical gap between awareness and action. While approximately three-quarters of Thai respondents acknowledged the heightened risk of vision loss in their later years, only half of those over the age of 60 reported undergoing regular eye examinations. This discrepancy underscores a significant challenge that the government is actively striving to address.

Kobkul elaborated on the disparities in access to eye care, stating, “Elderly individuals with strong family support and dedicated caregivers typically have better access to necessary eye healthcare services. However, vulnerable groups within the elderly population may encounter considerable obstacles in accessing timely examinations and treatment. Consequently, the Department of Older Persons strongly encourages all elderly individuals experiencing vision problems to seek prompt medical attention to prevent potential complications and maintain a good quality of life.”

Highlighting the proactive measures undertaken by the department, Kobkul added, “The Department of Older Persons has been instrumental in promoting various initiatives aimed at supporting the elderly. This includes facilitating the establishment of nearly 30,000 elderly clubs nationwide and over 3,000 elderly schools. These platforms serve as vital resources for disseminating knowledge and fostering essential skills, encompassing information on welfare rights, inheritance law, welfare benefits, and engaging recreational activities tailored to the interests of older individuals. Furthermore, we place significant emphasis on empowering the elderly to remain active participants in society, lead fulfilling lives, continue working where possible, and reduce their dependence on their children and grandchildren.”

Eye Health of the Elderly: An Issue Demanding Attention

Professor Paradee Kunavisarut, M.D., a Retina specialist at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, shed light on the prevalence of eye diseases among the Thai elderly, citing data from the Department of Elderly Affairs. According to this data, the four most common eye conditions affecting this demographic are cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Professor Paradee noted that over 54% of Thai respondents reported experiencing vision problems, a trend mirrored in the patient statistics observed at the hospital. She emphasized a common misconception among the elderly, who often attribute abnormal vision symptoms to the natural aging process, when in reality, these symptoms could be indicative of serious underlying eye diseases. Without timely examination and appropriate treatment, these conditions can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Professor Paradee further elaborated on neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a particularly prevalent and severe eye condition among the elderly. This condition arises from the formation of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which are prone to leakage or rupture. This leakage leads to the accumulation of fluid or blood, causing a rapid deterioration of vision. For elderly individuals experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision or the appearance of floating black spots, immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist is crucial. Delays in treatment can result in permanent vision impairment. Currently, various treatment modalities are available for nAMD: 1. Laser therapy, which can help slow the progression of the disease, although it typically does not result in significant vision improvement. 2. Intravitreal injections, the majority of which function through a single mechanism to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These injections can improve vision but often require frequent administration. However, recent advancements in treatment now target two primary disease mechanisms with longer-lasting effects, reducing the frequency of injections. 3. Surgery is considered an option in cases involving vascular membrane formation or retinal detachment. The selection of the most appropriate treatment strategy depends on the individual patient’s specific retinal degeneration condition, underscoring the importance of consulting with an ophthalmologist for personalized care and treatment.

Professor Paradee stressed the critical need for increased awareness, stating, “Elderly individuals frequently misinterpret abnormal vision symptoms as a normal part of aging or simply attribute them to eye strain. This misunderstanding can lead to a dangerous neglect of necessary examinations and treatments. These seemingly minor symptoms can contribute to significant health problems, including difficulties with eating, an increased risk of falls, and even lead to a bedridden state. Regular annual eye examinations, or seeking immediate medical consultation when unusual symptoms arise, can facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, ultimately leading to more effective management and the prevention of permanent vision loss.”

Reinforcing the importance of proactive eye care, Professor Paradee added, “The elderly should prioritize regular eye check-ups and promptly consult an ophthalmologist if they experience any vision abnormalities, particularly concerning diabetic retinopathy and other common eye diseases. Early diagnosis can pave the way for timely and effective treatment, potentially curing certain eye issues and preserving vision.”

Roche Collaborates to Enhance Elderly Eye Health and Quality of Life

Matthew Coates, General Manager of Roche Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, highlighted Thailand’s position as second in the ASEAN region, after Singapore, in terms of the proportion of elderly individuals within its total population. The Roche survey further revealed that over half of Thai respondents (57.8%) expressed concerns about their mental health if they were to develop vision problems – the highest such figure in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, 42.4% voiced fears of a decline in their overall quality of life. These anxieties not only impact mental well-being but also contribute to increased healthcare costs, encompassing medications, examinations, specialist consultations, and expenses associated with vision impairment that necessitate dependence on others.

Coates emphasized the long-term benefits of regular eye examinations for the elderly, stating that they can mitigate various problems and ultimately lead to significant cost savings for both the individuals and their families. This aligns with the survey findings, which indicated that nearly half of caregivers for elderly patients experience financial strain due to their caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, 33% of caregivers reported a decrease in their income, and 36% struggled with reduced work efficiency – figures that are the highest in the region.

In response to these pressing concerns, Roche is actively collaborating with various hospitals to promote eye health education among the elderly. This initiative involves the dissemination of easily understandable learning materials, such as brochures and videos, ensuring that clear and accessible information reaches a broad Thai audience. Coates affirmed Roche’s commitment, stating, “We are working closely with ophthalmologists and hospitals nationwide to raise awareness about the critical importance of eye health and the potential risks associated with neglecting it. Our mission is to encourage regular eye examinations, ideally commencing by the age of 40, while also acknowledging the government’s provision of free eye examinations for all Thai citizens.”

Concluding with a vision for the future, Coates stated, “This collaborative effort is dedicated not only to enhancing the eye health of the elderly but also to ensuring that all individuals in Thailand can enjoy healthy vision throughout their lives.”

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