Saphat is a 67-year-old retired rice farmer. She lives with her sister, who is a farmer. Saphat enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in her free time.
In 2012, Saphat developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her burning, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, the mucous layer that lubricates the eye. These growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil as a result. Because of this condition, Saphat has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Saphat learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 4th, she will undergo a procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. CSC is requesting $216 to fund the total cost of her procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Saphat shared, “I hope the tearing and burning stop after surgery. I want to see well, do my housework, and be independent.’