Heng is a 70-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has eight children, ten grandchildren, and enjoys watching the news on television.
Three years ago, Heng developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, tearing, and photophobia. 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 Heng learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for a half an hour seeking treatment. Heng 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 May 7.
She says, “I hope that after my surgery I will be able to see clearly without any tearing or irritation.”