Ape Fest 2023 Leaves BAYC & MAYC NFT Holders with Eye Pain, Doctors Blame Low-Quality Lighting
Several Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) holders who attended the Ape Fest event hosted by Yuga Labs in Hong Kong on November 4th are now reporting various eye issues. Speculations suggest that the organizers used inadequate lighting at the festival, causing intense pain, impaired vision, and a burning sensation in the attendees’ eyes.
Ape Fest is an annual festival organized by the Yuga Labs team specifically for Bored Ape and Mutant Ape NFT holders. While last year’s event took place in New York, this year’s celebration was held in Hong Kong from November 3rd to 5th.
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has gained significant popularity as an NFT collection. In October 2021, one of the Apes (#8817) was sold for over $3.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction. However, the floor price of BAYC has been consistently decreasing since reaching 128 ETH in May 2022.
According to the latest data from CoinStats, the BAYC floor price is currently below 28 ETH (around $52,500), a significant drop from 83 ETH in January. Despite this decline, the BAYC community still gathered in Hong Kong to connect with fellow Apes. Eligible NFT holders were given free event tickets, while additional tickets for companions cost $269.
Although the community appeared to have a good time, they experienced a less pleasant aftermath. The next morning, many attendees complained of eye problems, particularly those who were closest to the main stage. Suspecting the use of unsafe lamps, one attendee took to social media to seek answers.
Dr. Dinesh Visva Gunasekeran, a Singapore-based doctor and Mutant Ape NFT holder, noticed the post and offered his assistance. He diagnosed the attendees with a condition known as “Photokeratitis,” which is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Dr. Dinesh also provided helpful tips for those affected by the Ape Fest eye issues.
In the meantime, others are urging Yuga Labs to issue an official notice with advice on how to treat and heal the eye problems experienced by the attendees.