Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs have once again made headlines, but this time it’s not for their skyrocketing prices or prestigious ownership. At least 15 visitors at Yuga Labs’ Apefest, a celebration of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, may have experienced serious eye injuries. Multiple people who attended the NFT event in Hong Kong last weekend reported experiencing vision problems, which they believe were caused by the event’s stage lighting. Some of the attendees claim that doctors subsequently diagnosed them with photokeratitis, also known as “welder’s eye,” which is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
One attendee, Crypto June, took to Twitter to share their experience. They wrote, “Woke up in the middle of the night after Apefest with so much pain in my eyes that I had to go to the hospital. Doctor told me it was due to the UV from stage lights.” Another attendee, @docwagmi, suspected that the affected individuals were “up close with us front stage.”
Adrian Zduńczyk, another attendee, shared their experience and warned others to seek medical attention. They wrote, “To all my friends who suffer now: go get your eyes checked. You’ve likely most literally got your eyes burnt with UV like I did, which requires medications, eye drops, eye protection, antibiotics, and specialist care. Don’t ignore this health hazard. Without proper treatment, it may cause long-lasting vision impairment and other serious damage.” Fortunately, Zduńczyk’s quick medical attention seems to have spared them from long-term damage.
Yuga Labs, the company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, briefly addressed the issue on social media. They acknowledged being aware of the eye-related issues and claimed to be proactively reaching out to individuals to find the potential root causes. However, some X users criticized the company’s response, accusing them of downplaying the issue and not taking it seriously.
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This incident is not the first of its kind. A similar incident occurred in 2017 when attendees of a Hypebeast party in Hong Kong reported eye damage. The event’s DJ later revealed that the lighting contractor used Philips bulbs that emit UV-C, which is often used as a disinfectant.
The potential health hazards associated with NFT events raise concerns about the safety measures in place. As these events continue to attract larger crowds and gain popularity, it becomes crucial for organizers to prioritize attendee safety. Proper lighting equipment and precautions should be taken to prevent any adverse effects on attendees’ vision.
Events involving NFTs have been surrounded by controversy in recent times, with critics arguing about their environmental impact and the exorbitant prices they command. However, incidents like the one at Apefest highlight the need to address the safety concerns tied to these events as well.
In conclusion, the recent eye injuries reported by attendees of Yuga Labs’ Apefest have shed light on the potential health hazards associated with NFT events. The affected individuals, suffering from conditions such as welder’s eye, highlight the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures at these events. With the NFT market continuing to gain momentum, organizers must prioritize the well-being of their attendees and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.
