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

Several attendees at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona, recently reported mysterious eye pain and vision problems, leading some to seek emergency medical care. An ophthalmologist offered insight to Newsweek on what may have caused the injuries.

The rally, held on September 12 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, attracted over 2,000 supporters. Among those in attendance, several individuals complained of eye pain so severe that they required medical attention. Symptoms included eye swelling, light sensitivity, and lingering difficulty seeing, with one person reporting vision issues days after the event.

Notably, the symptoms were confined to a specific group of attendees positioned on stage right, while those on stage left experienced no issues. News 4 Tucson reported that multiple people from the stage-right group exited the rally in significant discomfort, suffering from what they described as excruciating pain in their eyes.

The Trump campaign is investigating the situation, though the Secret Service indicated that it was unaware of any unusual incidents at the rally, nor any threats directed toward the former president in Arizona.

Dr. Ami Vadada, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, explained that the symptoms align with irritation to the cornea. She suggested that windy conditions could have introduced dust or allergens into the air, causing redness, tearing, and burning sensations. Vadada also noted that aerosolized substances could have contributed to the eye irritation.

Mayra Rodriguez, a former Planned Parenthood director and Trump supporter, was among those affected. She described visiting the emergency room and being asked whether she had been sprayed with something. Rodriguez reported partial blindness, stating that she could only see a white cloud when she managed to open her eyes. Another attendee, who chose to remain anonymous, described his eyes as "red like hell" and the pain as unbearable.

Despite Tucson being ranked as favorable for people with allergies, it's unclear what exactly caused the eye injuries. While the event was held indoors, attendees waited outside in extreme heat before entering the venue, which may have contributed to the problem.