Uon is a 26-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia who enjoys listening to classical music and going for walks with his wife and son.
“Three weeks ago, Uon developed a chalazion on his left eyelid,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us. “This causes him burning and irritation, and he feels he is bad looking.”
"I don't feel comfortable doing work,” shares Uon, “and I worry that the cyst will affect my vision.”
A chalazion is an eyelid cyst caused by a blocked oil duct. Initial symptoms include redness and swelling of the involved eyelid, followed by the formation of a firm bump that can become as large as a pea. If the chalazion is large enough, it can cause tearing of the eye or blurred vision. For a large, painful, or recurring chalazion, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the bump, as is the case for Uon.
For $150, Uon will undergo surgery to remove the chalazion. Funding for his treatment also includes pre- and post-operative consultations, a two-day hospital stay, antibiotics, pain medicine, eye drops, and eye ointments. "After surgery, the burning will stop,” explains CSC.
“I hope my eye will look normal again, and I can easily to do my work at the farm," Uon says.