Ly is a 58-year-old garment factory worker from Cambodia. She has one son, four daughters, and nine grandchildren. She enjoys listening to news and music on the radio in her free time.
One year ago, Ly developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and difficulty working under too much light. 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 Ly learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Ly 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 April 23rd.
“I hope that my mother will not have any pain, and her eye irritation will go away. I hope she will able to go outside after surgery,” Ly’s daughter said.