“Chanthy really likes to listen to the monks praying,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC).
Meet Chanthy, this smiling 60-year-old woman from Cambodia. “Chanthy has a pterygium that causes her much pain and irritation,” explains CSC. A ptergyium is a non-cancerous growth that forms on the conjunctiva—the mucous membrane that covers the cornea. This condition is caused by prolonged sun exposure which causes damage to the eye. Cambodia’s proximity to the equator makes pterygium a common condition among this population.
Ptyergium leads to decreased vision, irritation, and itchiness. “Chanthy’s face is always red and puffy and it makes her self-conscious,” continues CSC. Without surgical intervention, Chanthy will continue to experience regular discomfort.
$150 will fund the procedure Chanthy needs to remove the affected conjunctiva from her eye. After the growth is removed, an opthalomogist will place a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence of the growth.
CSC expects Chanthy to return to normal vision within 1-2 weeks. CSC adds, “after surgery she looks forward to regaining her independence, having no more pain, taking care of her grandchildren and helping clean around the house.”