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Yuga Labs Confirms UVA-A Emitting Lights Cause of ApeFest Eye Issues
Numerous participants exhibited signs of photokeratitis, an ailment resulting from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, after last weekend's event.
By Sam Reynolds
Updated Nov 13, 2023, 6:37 a.m. Published Nov 9, 2023, 5:27 a.m.
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Yuga Labs confirmed that UV-A emitting lights installed in one corner of the event was "likely the cause" of a series of eye-related medical emergencies that took place at the company's Ape Fest event in Hong Kong over the weekend.
Attendees of ApeFest reported blurred vision and burning eyes after attending the event last weekend. One attendee claimed they had eye issues for more than 30 hours following the event.
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in an X post on Thursday, the company said it initiated a detailed investigation after reports came out, which comprised of an exhaustive examination of inventory records, material logs, and specification sheets, surrounding the instillation of its exhibits at ApeFest.
"This comprehensive investigation, undertaken in collaboration with Jack Morton Worldwide, the global brand experience agency that produced ApeFest 2023, has determined that UV-A emitting lights installed in one corner of the event was likely the cause of the reported issues related to attendees’ eyes and skin," the post read.
On Sunday, November 5, Yuga Labs began to receive reports that some ApeFest attendees and staff experienced eye pain, vision issues, or skin irritation following the Saturday night community event. These reports were - and continue to be - deeply concerning to us. We immediately…
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC) November 9, 2023
Yuga Labs says it encourages anyone that is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention, and reach out to the company.
“Community is the heart of Yuga and the purpose of ApeFest is to bring the community together IRL,” Yuga Labs said in its post on X. “We are saddened that this incident has detracted from the experience of ApeFest attendees."
Prices of the popular Bored Apes Yacht Club slumped from 30 ether (ETH) to 28 ETH following the event and have since reversed declines.
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