Assessing the Health-Related Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Dry Eye Disease in Thailand: A Multi-Center Study on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Author(s)
Sakdichod Petsom, PharmD1, Aliyah Famitynond, PharmD1, Haruethaikan Kanlaya, B.ATM, M.Sc.1, varalak srinonprasert, MD, MMed1, Thatarod Viriyaprasit, PharmD2, Pattara Leelahavarong, PharmD, MSc., Ph.D.1.
1Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
1Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
OBJECTIVES: Dry eye disease (DED) impairs visual-related activities, leading to reduced mobility and distress in daily life, particularly among older individuals who receive delayed treatment. Despite the notable prevalence of DED, the economic burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have been insufficiently studied in Thailand. This cross-sectional study evaluates the impact of DED on direct non-medical (DNM) costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
METHODS: The study was conducted at six tertiary-care centers between September 2024 and March 2025. Severity was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L with the Thai value set. DNM costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Descriptive statistics were used, and the association between DED severity and HRQoL was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05)
RESULTS: A total of 161 patients with DED were enrolled, 81.37% of whom were female. Participants were classified into two severity subgroups: (i) mild to moderate (33.96%) and (ii) severe (66.04%). The mean age of the total population is 60.47 ± 15.18. EQ-5D-5L scores differ significantly between the mild-to-moderate (0.872; 95% CI: 0.843-0.928) and severe groups (0.787; 95% CI: 0.778-0.861; p < 0.005). However, DNM costs were twice as high in severe DED (USD 175.67 ± 774.95) compared to mild-to-moderate DED (USD 88.32 ± 321.81), with an additional productivity loss of USD 29.12 ± 254.50 (per 6 months).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the objectives of Thailand’s national healthy aging policy by highlighting the unmet needs of older adults living with DED. To reduce the long-term economic and quality-of-life burden, we recommend that policymakers consider incorporating essential DED diagnostics and treatments into the national health benefit package. Prioritizing coverage for high-severity cases could enhance access, reduce out-of-pocket spending, and prevent functional decline, especially among the aging population.
METHODS: The study was conducted at six tertiary-care centers between September 2024 and March 2025. Severity was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L with the Thai value set. DNM costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Descriptive statistics were used, and the association between DED severity and HRQoL was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05)
RESULTS: A total of 161 patients with DED were enrolled, 81.37% of whom were female. Participants were classified into two severity subgroups: (i) mild to moderate (33.96%) and (ii) severe (66.04%). The mean age of the total population is 60.47 ± 15.18. EQ-5D-5L scores differ significantly between the mild-to-moderate (0.872; 95% CI: 0.843-0.928) and severe groups (0.787; 95% CI: 0.778-0.861; p < 0.005). However, DNM costs were twice as high in severe DED (USD 175.67 ± 774.95) compared to mild-to-moderate DED (USD 88.32 ± 321.81), with an additional productivity loss of USD 29.12 ± 254.50 (per 6 months).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the objectives of Thailand’s national healthy aging policy by highlighting the unmet needs of older adults living with DED. To reduce the long-term economic and quality-of-life burden, we recommend that policymakers consider incorporating essential DED diagnostics and treatments into the national health benefit package. Prioritizing coverage for high-severity cases could enhance access, reduce out-of-pocket spending, and prevent functional decline, especially among the aging population.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE62
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies, Work & Home Productivity - Indirect Costs
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)