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Is Dan Crenshaw OK? Texas Republican who lost right eye in Afghanistan 'virtually blind' after surgery on left

'This is a terrifying prognosis for someone with one eye,' said the Navy SEAL veteran

Texas Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw said he will be “off the grid” for about a month after he underwent an emergency eye surgery to treat a detached retina. The lawmaker shared a lengthy statement about his current condition on Twitter and noted that he will be “effectively blind” for about a month.

Crenshaw, who is a Navy SEAL veteran, lost his right eye and sustained damage to his left eye in Afghanistan in 2012 during an IED bomb blast. In his statement, Crenshaw wrote that he noticed “some dark blurry spots” in his vision. The lawmaker decided to visit an ophthalmologist on Thursday, April 8, who discovered that his retina was detaching.

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“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. This is a terrifying prognosis for someone with one eye. The prognosis I received on Thursday is obviously very bad,” Crenshaw said in a statement.

The 37-year-old underwent surgery at the Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston on Friday, April 9. He also said his “congressional offices” in Washington DC and Houston will continue to operate and any constituent needing assistance with casework can still call his offices for help.

“The surgery went well, but I will be effectively blind for about a month. 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,” Crenshaw said. He concluded the message by asking for prayers that his vision will return to normal. “Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers, and support,” he added.

Crenshaw receives prayers from a plethora of people

Social media users and their fellow politicians have flooded social media with “get well soon” messages. People also said that they are praying for his speedy recovery. Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Mike Pompeo wrote, "Susan and I are sending up prayers for a quick and full recovery." US Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said, “Freedom isn’t free—it’s built on the sacrifice of our servicemen and women like my friend, Dan Crenshaw. Please join me in praying for his speedy and full recovery.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott also prayed for his full recovery and wrote, “Cecilia and I are praying for your speedy recovery.”

On the other hand, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said, “@RepDanCrenshaw is a fighter, and he’s going to win this battle, too. He has the support and prayers of every one of his colleagues. We are praying for his full recovery, and know he will take this challenge on the same way he fought to protect our country.” US Representative Sylvia Garcia, a Democrat from Houston, added, “Prayers to you, Tara, and family. Let me know if I or my staff can assist in any way. God Bless.”

Another user said, “Our family (Democrats) your constituents wishing you a full & speedy recovery. As always thank you for your service & sacrifice.” Meanwhile, another user said, “I am so sorry to see this! Praying for your health and that the doctors can save your vision. You are one of the great hopes for the future.”

Crenshaw has been a member of the US House of Representatives from Texas's 2nd district since 2018. Crenshaw was reelected in 2020, defeating Democratic nominee Sima Ladjevardian.