“I can’t see everything clearly, do work, or go walking outside anywhere,” says 67-year-old Chhin, a wife, mother, and grandmother from Cambodia who developed a cataract in each eye one year ago.
A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens of the eye. This causes the lens to become cloudy and disrupt the passage of light through the lens, impairing vision. Most cataracts are due to age-related changes and account for 50 percent of all cases of blindness worldwide. Formation typically occurs in both eyes, as Chhin is experiencing.
Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) share that these cataracts “cause Chhin to be partially blind and experience pain, irritation, and tearing.”
For $225, Chhin will undergo surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from her eyes and replace them with artificial ones. Funding also includes two days of hospital care, eye drops and ointments, medicine to reduce pain and prevent infection, and one post-operative consultation. After surgery, “Chhin will be able to see clearly again,” says CSC.
“I hope I can see everything clearly,” says Chinn. “I can help my daughter do some housework, take care of my grandchild at home, go to the pagoda and join any ceremony, and go anywhere outside by myself.”