Sineth is a 30-year-old woman who sells boiled corn to earn a living and support her family. She is married and has one daughter and two sons. All of her children are in school. Sineth’s husband is a garment worker, but is currently at home since his factory is closed due to COVID-19. Sineth shared that she enjoys listening to music on her phone in her free time.
When she was 27, Sineth developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, tearing, and discomfort with her appearance. 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 Sineth learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there with her sister seeking treatment. Sineth 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 April 6th.
Sineth shared, “I hope I can get back to selling corn again without worrying about my eye hurting me.”