Abstract:
This cross-sectional survey research aims to study: 1) the level of environmental exposure affecting vision, 2) eye protection behaviors, and 3) the relationship between environmental exposure levels related to vision and eye protection behaviors among the elderly in Thailand. The study sample consisted of 407 participants selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using the chi-square test. The results of the study found that environmental exposure to the vision of the elderly was at a low level 66.80 percent. Eye protection behavior was at a moderate level 62.70 percent. The level of environmental exposure related to vision and eye protection behavior of the elderly were significantly related at the 0.01 level. Exposure to dust particles from traffic routes, construction sites, and high-risk dust pollution (PM2.5) had higher eye protection behavior than low-risk exposure, and exposure to smoke from cigarettes, exhaust pipes, and high-risk combustion had higher eye protection behavior than low-risk exposure, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the assessment of risks and the impacts of environmental exposure, avoid exposure to environments that affect the eyes, and provide eye protection devices for the elderly, as well as eye care and maintenance.