Houston Republic

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) is fighting for his sight as he recovers from emergency eye surgery to repair a detaching retina.

Crenshaw, who according to his biography is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who lost his right eye in an improvised explosive device blast in 2012 in Afghanistan, said in an April 10 statement on Facebook that surgery on his left eye went well, but that his recovery means he “will be effectively blind for about a month.”

“A few days ago, I noticed some dark, blurry spots in my vision, which seemed out of the ordinary. I went to get this checked out by an ophthalmologist on Thursday and they discovered that my retina was detaching,” Crenshaw said on social media. “Anyone who knows the history of my injuries knows that I don’t have a ‘good eye,’ but half a good eye. The blast from 2012 caused a cataract, excessive tissue damage, and extensive damage to my retina. It was always a possibility that the effects of the damage to my retina would resurface, and it appears that is exactly what has happened.”

The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye, the National Eye Institute website said. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls from its normal position.

“Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of a detached retina, it’s important to go to your eye doctor or the emergency room right away,” the National Eye Institute website said. “The symptoms of retinal detachment often come on quickly. If the retinal detachment isn’t treated right away, more of the retina can detach — which increases the risk of permanent vision loss or blindness.”

Crenshaw must be “face-down for the next week or so,” and won’t be able to see, he said.

“My congressional offices in Washington, D.C. and Houston will continue to operate, and any constituent needing assistance with casework can still call my offices for help,” Crenshaw said.

Tiffany Legg Ramsel of Norman, Oklahoma, responded to Crenshaw’s social media statement by expressing appreciation for what he’s done.

“I don’t agree with you on a lot of things, but nobody deserves this. Thank you for your service to our country and get well soon!” Ramsel said on Facebook.

Chele Stolka also wished Crenshaw a speedy recovery.

“The people need you, but we need you well and focused! It’s time to focus on yourself and your family and come back to us strong,” Stolka said on Facebook. “No matter the outcome we will always have your back (and vote) Take care! God bless!”

Having served 10 years in the SEAL Teams, Crenshaw was medically retired in September 2016, his biography said. He was elected to Congress in November 2018.