Horn is 64-year-old mango and rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with three sons, seven daughters, and six grandchildren. His wife is also a farmer. In his free time he enjoys listening to the news on the radio.
Three years ago, Horn developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him irritation, burning, redness, 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Horn learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours by tuk tuk with his daughters seeking treatment. Horn 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 his procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 21st.
Horn said, “I hope the pterygium can be removed so I can feel comfortable and continue my work at the farm.”