Meet Yuth, a 58-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. “Yuth is married with three sons, two daughters, and seven grandkids. She enjoys visiting the pagoda and watching TV in her free time,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Center (CSC).
Two years ago, Yuth developed cataracts in both of her eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the lens that is most commonly due to age-related changes in the eye. Yuth is experiencing partial blindness, irritation, and excessive tearing. She traveled two hours to CSC with her son with hopes of restoring her vision. “I hope I can see clearly so I can work and look after my grandchildren,” she says.
For $225, Yuth will undergo phacoemulsification and lens implant surgery in both eyes. The surgeon will use an ultrasonic probe to break up the natural lens of the eye in order to remove it. After the clouded lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens will be put in its place. “She will be able to see clearly again,” says CSC.