Youm is a 53-year-old housewife. She is married and has three daughters, five sons, and nine grandchildren. She lives with her husband who is a farmer. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio.
Three years ago, Youm developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her constant tearing, itchy, and burning in the eye. 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.
Youm 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 $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 28th.
Youm said, “I hope after surgery my eye can see better and stop burning because it is hard for me to care for my family and do housework.”