It is unclear how long he will be out in the 50-50 split Senate, but the House is in recess next week until the week of July 11th.
Leahy, 82, was born blind in one eye and has had a “lifelong struggle with a perception of reduced depth,” her office said in a statement.
“Over the years he has taken away some remarkable things, but this one finally caught up with him,” his office said.
Leahy is expected to fully recover from her surgery and begin physical therapy immediately, her office said.
His office told CNN that it is too early to know how long his doctors will suggest he stay away from the Senate. His absence would make it difficult for Democrats to approve anything with a simple majority that at least one Republican senator will not vote for.