Chhoem is a 50-year-old farmer. She has one son who works as a security guard. Chhoem’s husband passed away eight years ago. She enjoys listening to the news on the radio and watching movies on TV.
Around three years ago, Chhoem developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and a burning sensation. 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.
When Chhoem learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Chhoem 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 February 4th.
Chhoem says, “I hope after surgery my eye stops burning and I can feel comfortable. I want to return to planting rice without issues.”