Yi is a 68-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has four children, seven grandchildren, and enjoys going to the pagoda in her free time.
Two years ago, Yi developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, blurry vision, and tearing. 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 Yi learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Yi 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 July 8.
She says, “I hope that after my operation, I will be able to see clearly and can return to my work on the rice farm.”