Statement From Dan Crenshaw

"I am sorry to inform everyone that I will be pretty much off the grid for the next few weeks.

"Here is why: 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.

"This is a terrifying prognosis for someone with one eye, and the nature of the injuries that I sustained in Afghanistan. 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 prognosis I received on Thursday is obviously very bad. Tara drove me to emergency surgery on Friday morning at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, and was by my side the entire time.

"The surgery went well, but I will be effectively blind for about a month. I want to especially thank the phenomenal team of doctors and nurses at the VA who took such good care of me. During the surgery they put a gas bubble in my eye, which acts as a bandage for my retina. This means I have to be face-down for the next week or so, unable to see anything.

"This is why you're not going to hear from me for a while. I likely will not be conducting interviews and likely will not be posting on social media, except to give updates on my health and recovery.

"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. I have gotten through worse before, and I will get through this.

"I've got Tara by my side, and we are here in Houston with plenty of support. A few prayers that my vision will get back to normal and that I will make a full recovery wouldn't hurt, though, and would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers, and support."