From Bored Ape to Blind Ape: Yuga Labs’ Ape Fest Gives Attendees Eye Pain

Key Takeaways:

• Ape Fest 2023 gives Eye Pain to Several BAYC & MAYC NFT holders from Yuga Labs.
• Doctors suggest the problem stems from the low-quality lights the organizers used at the event.
• The floor price of Bored Ape Yacht Club continues to tank.

YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) holders, who attended the Yuga Labs-Hosted Ape Fest event in Hong Kong on Nov.4, are now complaining of several eye problems. 

According to speculations, the organizers used inappropriate lighting at the festival, causing severe pains, impaired eyesight, and a burning sensation in their eyes.  

ApeFest is an annual festival organized by the Yuga Labs team specifically for those who hold Bored Ape and Mutant Ape NFTs. While last year’s event took place in New York, the team decided to throw this year’s party in Hong Kong between Nov. 3-5.

From Bored Ape to Blind Ape Yacht Club (BAYC)

Bored Ape Yacht Club is one of the most popular NFT collections out there. One of the Apes (#8817) fetched over $3.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in October 2021. 

However, the BAYC floor price has continuously tanked since reaching $128 ETH in May 2022. 

At the time of writing, BAYC Floor Price traded below 28 ETH (around $52,500. This is a significant decrease from the 83 ETH in January. 

However, despite the slump, the BAYC community headed to Hing Kong to catch up with their fellow Apes. 

The event tickets were free for eligible NFT holders. However, additional “+1” tickets for those going with a friend cost $269. 

While the community, judging by the social media posts, had fun, the post-event “hangover” wasn’t as pleasant. The next morning, they were transformed from Bored Apes to Blind Apes. 

Reports suggest those who stood closest to the main stage were the ones to experience eye problems. 

“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. I go to festivals often but have never experienced this,” 

one attendee wrote. 

Blaming the unsafe lamps used, he enquired if anybody knew what could have gone wrong. 

Dr. Mutant Ape offers insights into the Ape Fest ordeal

His post didn’t go unnoticed. Singapore-based doctor Dinesh Visva Gunasekeran (dockage. eth), who also holds a Mutant Ape NFT, offered to help. 

According to his initial diagnosis, the attendees suffered from a phenomenon called “Photokeratitis”. As the doctor explained, it is caused by long exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. 

Besides identifying the problem, Dr Dinesh also shared tips with his Ape family.

“Firstly, if you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately. Stay in a dark room and avoid sunlight where you can wear sun glasses if you need to go out. While resting, try placing a hand towel in cool water and laying that over your closed eyes,” 

he advised. 

Meanwhile, others called on Yuga Labs to issue an official notice with tips on what steps those infected can take to heal their eyesight.