Where Words Whisper

INDONESIA | Friday, 11 January 2013 | Views [225] | View Smaller Image

One of four rooms in the long house is converted into a pre surgery room. Bapak Wanji (forefront) waits to receive a retrobulbar injection before he goes in for cataract surgery. Retrobulbar is used as an anesthetic but it is also prevents the globe of the eye from moving around during surgery. A tennis ball helps to soften the eye just after injection.

An old wooden structure in Sukadana Borneo houses ASRI Medical Clinic. Dr. Kinari Webb feels around for hardening of the eye balls on an 88-year-old woman. One of her sons places his hand on her shoulders, offering her some comfort. Due to clogging of the drainage canals, increased pressure leads to irreversible damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness. If caught early, glaucoma can be treated by medications and laser surgeries. But more often than not, glaucoma isn’t properly diagnosed. Unfortunately this woman has advanced glaucoma and will sadly remain blind for the rest of her life.

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Operating tables are constructed out of office desks. Hand woven mats lie on top and a white linin is thrown over the surface. Bapak Arnji calmly waits while Dr. Steve prepares for surgery. “The first thing I want to do is kiss my wife. I haven’t been able to see her face. All I’ve been able to do is hear her voice.” – Bapak Arnji

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Where Words Whisper

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