Ratana is a 32-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. She has two sons and enjoys listening to Khmer classical music.
Five years ago, Ratana developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her tearing and irritation. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Ratana learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. Ratana needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for March 1.
Her brother says, “I hope my sister will be able to see better and the irritation will stop because she is always pain.”