Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera has provided a positive update on his health following a successful surgery for posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) earlier this month. The procedure took place during a break in the band’s North American tour, where they are currently supporting W.A.S.P.
In a social media post on Wednesday, December 11, Vera shared details of his recovery. “It’s been 9 days since I had laser surgery to correct a tear in my left eye’s retina,” Vera wrote. “I’m still traveling and performing, but I was able to see a specialist in San Diego yesterday. He said the surgery looked good and that it was healing well.”
Vera acknowledged that his vision remains blurry due to bleeding from the tear, but doctors have reassured him that his sight should improve over the coming month. He expressed gratitude for the support he received during the ordeal. “I’ve been very lucky that this did not turn into something worse, such as a full detachment,” he added. “Thank you to everyone who reached out to me. Your concern really made a big difference.”
With just four shows left on the tour, Vera is determined to finish strong. “Reno, Vegas, SF, LA. Let’s do this!” he concluded.
The news of Vera’s eye injury and subsequent surgery was initially shared by Armored Saint vocalist John Bush on December 3. According to Bush, Vera first noticed vision issues after waking up in Houston, where he was experiencing impaired vision and several floaters in his left eye. Despite initially hoping the issue was due to fatigue, Vera’s condition worsened the following day, prompting a visit to an ophthalmologist who suspected PVD.
As the band’s tour continued, Vera’s symptoms persisted, and after consulting with multiple doctors, a retinal specialist confirmed the diagnosis and recommended immediate surgery. The procedure, which was completed during a day off in Dallas, was deemed successful, and Vera was able to return to the band bus afterward, relieved both physically and emotionally.
With his recovery ongoing, Armored Saint is gearing up for the final stretch of their tour. “If Joey is a little more tame than usual onstage, I know you’ll all understand why,” Bush humorously noted.
Armored Saint is currently working on new material for their next album, following the success of their 2020 release, Punching the Sky. The band recently released a cover of “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison)” in June 2023, and in 2021, they celebrated the 30th anniversary of their iconic album Symbol of Salvation with a live CD/DVD release.
The band has also earned recognition in the metal community, having been inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in January 2023 and premiered their long-awaited documentary, Armored Saint: Band of Brothers, in May 2023.
Related topic:
OneSight Foundation Joins WHO’s SPECS 2030 Initiative
Solasta Healthcare Completes First Cataract Surgeries in Banbridge
Bausch + Lomb Acquires Elios Vision to Enhance Glaucoma Treatment
