Phally is a 49-year-old rice farmer who is married and has two daughters. Phally lives with her husband who is a construction worker. At home she likes to watch movies on TV.
When she was 20-years-old, Phally developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her tearing, a burning sensation, and discomfort with her appearance. 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 Phally learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. Phally 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 $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 13th.
Phally says, “I hope after surgery my eye stops burning and I feel comfortable returning to the fields to work.”