What Caused Mystery Eye Problems at Trump Rally? Ophthalmologist Weighs In

Several people recently experienced mysterious eye pain and injuries to their eyesight after attending former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona, with one ophthalmologist telling Newsweek what the cause may be.
On September 12, Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, held a rally at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, which resulted in a select number of his supporters leaving with eye pain so bad that they ended up in the emergency room. Several reported eye swelling and light sensitivity, with one attendee confirming that several days after the event she was still having difficulty seeing well.
The rally in Tucson drew over 2,000 people in 100-degree heat. The rally was set up so that 48 attendees could stand on stage with Trump. They were split into two groups, one on stage right, and one on stage left. The group on stage left reported no symptoms or anything suspicious, but according to a report from News 4 Tucson, several people in the group on stage right exited the rally with excruciating pain in their eyes.
The Trump campaign has said it’s investigating the event. The Secret Service told News 4 Tucson that it was unaware of anything out of the ordinary occurring at the rally, adding that it was unaware of any planned threat to the former president in Arizona.
Newsweek has contacted Trump’s campaign via email for comment. It has also contacted the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall via phone for comment.
“The description of symptoms appear consistent with irritation to the cornea or the front surface of the eye. If the event was windy, it’s possible dust or other allergens could have come in contact with the eye, causing redness, tearing, and burning,” Dr. Ami Vadada, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Newsweek about those who experience eye pain after the rally.
Vadada added: “Aerosolized substances can also irritate the eye as well. Flushing the eyes with artificial tear lubricants or irrigating the eyes with an eye wash can help relieve symptoms. Also removing yourself from the environment and irritants is helpful to prevent further irritation.”
Dr. Vadada’s assessment of the situation correlates to the experience of Mayra Rodriguez, one of the former president’s supporters who experienced eye injuries after the event.
Rodriguez told News 4 Tucson earlier this week that when she visited the emergency room, the clinicians asked if she had been sprayed with anything. According to Dr. Vadada, the symptoms experienced by Rodriguez are akin to being exposed to an irritant.
Rodriguez, a public figure known for being a former Planned Parenthood director turned Trump supporter, told News 4 Tucson that at the time of speaking she was partially blind, and could only see a white cloud when she was able to open her eyes.
In addition, a man who wished to remain anonymous told News 4 Tucson that his eyes were “red like hell” and that he felt like he couldn’t handle the pain.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Tucson is rated as a “Better Than Average” city to live in for those with allergies. And since the event took place within the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, it’s unlikely that eye pain was caused by seasonal allergies.
Despite the event being held inside, attendees had to wait outside in the heat before it began. It is unclear whether the group affected by the eye injuries was among those waiting outside before the event and if that had an effect on their eyes.