Phly is a 64-year-old farmer who is married with one son, four daughters, and many grandchildren. He lives with his oldest daughter and his wife who are farmers too. Phly likes to listen to the news on the radio and watch boxing on TV.
Five years ago, Phly developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Phly learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Phly 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 his procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 25th.
Phly said, “I hope after surgery the irritation will stop and I’ll be able to see clearly. I can then go to the rice field with comfortable eyes.”