Yo Sue is a 24-year-old man who lives in a village in Burma. He lives with his mother, older brother, and cousin. The family farms and sells pigs and chickens. Yo Sue used to work as a security guard in Bangkok. However, he left his position when he started to experience vision problems.
Yo Sue lost vision in his right eye when he was 14 years old. A cataract was diagnosed and surgically treated. The cataract replacement procedure was not successful, and he never recovered vision in his right eye.
Recently, he began to experience vision problems with the left eye, causing him great concern. One day, Yo Sue was riding his motorbike and the bright sunlight made it difficult for him to see. When he arrived home and took off his helmet, his vision was blurred.
Yo Sue visited his local clinic and was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), for further evaluation. His symptoms were blurred vision and lack of visual acuity. He was diagnosed with retinal detachment. The retina of his eye has separated from the layer underneath, allowing fluid to leak out of the eye behind the retina.
Yo Sue’s doctors recommended he have a vitrectomy to salvage his vision. Surgeons will clear the inner jelly, remove scar tissue, inject dense liquids to smooth the retina, and inject a gas or silicone oil to secure the retina in place as it heals. The procedure, supplies, medication, and three days of inpatient care costs $1,500. His procedure has been scheduled for February 27.
Yo Sue will use eye drops for several weeks following surgery to help the recovery. Barring any complications in the procedure, he will have his vision restored.
“I hope to restore my vision so that I can help my mother, brother, and cousin with the needs of the family,” shares Yo Sue.