Thailand is fully entering a "super-aged society," with one major challenge being eye health among the elderly. This condition not only diminishes patients' quality of life but also increases costs for working-age caregivers.
The introduction of HealthTech and artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose and treat retinal diseases is a crucial tool for improving medical efficiency, reducing treatment costs, and slowing long-term economic losses for the country.
Screening data from the Ministry of Public Health shows that "vision and eyesight problems" are the leading decline among Thai seniors at 27%, ahead of oral health issues at 25% and fall risks at 17%.
These statistics arise amid a major demographic transition. Data from the World Bank Group and TDRI indicate Thailand will become a super-aged society by 2033, with over 20% of the population aged 65 and above.
The effects of retinal diseases extend beyond hospital costs. Research from WifOR Institute reveals that diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) cause economic and social losses exceeding 68 billion baht in Thailand between 2017 and 2027.
The primary burden falls on working-age individuals, as 44% of social impacts come from family members reducing work hours or taking unpaid leave to care for patients.
Permanent vision loss can be prevented if detected early. Dr. Thanapong Somkijrungroj, head of Ophthalmology Immunology and Inflammation Unit at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, explains that Thailand now uses AI to screen retinal images alongside high-resolution OCT scanners, enabling timely diagnosis.
Treatment has also advanced with sustained-release drug innovations, reducing the frequency of hospital visits, thus easing long-term burdens on patients and caregivers.
This outcome is evident in Mr. Kulwetch Jenwatthanawit, an nAMD patient who was screened and treated early, allowing him to continue managing work, contributing to society, and living smoothly with his family.
Eye care is not merely an expense but an investment yielding economic returns. Dr. Matthew Coates, general manager of Roche Thailand Ltd., points out international data showing every 35.7 baht (1 USD) invested in eye health returns up to 1,000 baht (28 USD), approximately 28 times the investment.
Based on this concept of transforming public health into human capital investment, the company plans to collaborate with both public and private sectors to expand AI screening infrastructure for eye diseases throughout the provinces.
Systematic solutions are needed to tackle vision problems in an aging society. Experts propose four key strategies:
Vision problems in the elderly are not just natural physical decline but a key factor impacting the national economy significantly.
Early screening awareness combined with applying AI and medical innovations offers a solution to preserve seniors' vision, while restoring time and productivity for working-age people to fully contribute to society and economic output.