VanNa S., 16

VanNa is a 16-year-old girl, born with diabetes mellitus (DM). She lives with her parents, who are rice farmers, and five older siblings in a three-room house in a rural province. Two of her older siblings work in a clothes factory in the province. At school, her favorite subject is Khmer literature; she would like to be a teacher when she grows up. VanNa had completed grade ten until she had to stop six months ago due to her declining vision. At home, she likes to eat fried rice. She used to enjoy reading books but is unable to do so due to her poor vision. Two months ago, she became almost completely blind, and could no longer attend school or help her mother with housework.

The surgeons performed a lensectomy and inserted a new lens. VanNa rested quietly inside overnight, and her mother instilled prescribed eye drops (Prednisolone eye drop 8 times/day, Vigamox (Moxifloxacin) eye drop 8 times/day) to reduce the chance of infection and keep her eye lubricated. After recovery, this will improve her visual acuity and provide visual stability so she can return to school. VanNa looks forward to being able to read and attend school.

The patient needs surgical removal of the cloudy lens and the insertion of a new intraocular lens. If not treated, it can lead to accidental injuries, glaucoma, and even blindness.