Ean is a 60-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. In his free time, she likes to watch Khmer TV dramas.
Three years ago, Ean developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurred vision, burning, irritation, and itchiness. 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 Ean learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. Ean 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 11.
She says, “I hope that after my eye surgery I will feel much better and be able to continue my work at the farm field. I also hope that I can easily walk or go anywhere outside independently.”