Sran is a 68-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. In her free time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio.
Twenty years ago, Sran developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her irritation, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Sran learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Sran 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 6th.
“I hope that I will be able to see more clearly and can take care of my grandchildren again and help feed the cows,” she said.