The highly esteemed Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) made waves recently in the Web3 community with news of eye-related incidents that occurred during their annual ApeFest event. This exclusive club, consisting of digital art collectors and investors in their unique collection of 10,000 computer-generated cartoon ape NFTs, is known for its sought-after status in the NFT space. However, the recent ApeFest held in Hong Kong faced unforeseen complications, leaving attendees with severe eye discomfort and distressing symptoms.
The annual ApeFest festival holds a significant place on the BAYC community’s calendar, offering a unique opportunity for Bored Ape NFT investors to come together. Unfortunately, the event took an unexpected turn this year, as numerous attendees took to social media following its conclusion to report unsettling symptoms, including severe pain, vision impairment, and eyeburn. One attendee, Adrian Zdułczyk, garnered attention for his case, as he required urgent medical attention for what was described as “severe eye burn.”
Photokeratitis: A Painful Diagnosis
Adrian Zdułczyk’s visit to the hospital resulted in a diagnosis of photokeratitis, commonly known as snow blindness. This condition occurs when the cornea and conjunctiva are exposed to unprotected ultraviolet (UV) radiation, highlighting the probable cause as the UV lighting employed at ApeFest. While Zdułczyk is now on the road to recovery under the care of prescribed steroid eye drops and lubricants, his experience shed light on a significant oversight in the event planning process.
In response to the incidents, Bored Ape Yacht Club issued a statement on Platform X, acknowledging the eye-related issues and their potential implications. The club stated, “Apes, we are aware of the eye-related issues that affected some of the attendees of ApeFest and have been proactively reaching out to individuals since yesterday to try and find potential root causes.” Though the company estimates that less than 1% of attendees experienced symptoms, they urged all participants to seek medical attention if they had similar complaints. Considering the event hosted around 2,250 individuals, this still raises concerns about the number of potentially affected individuals.
Moving Forward: Lessons to be Learned
The eye incidents at ApeFest serve as a reminder of the importance of meticulous event planning, particularly when it comes to the well-being and safety of attendees. While the popularity and exclusivity of the Bored Ape Yacht Club undoubtedly contribute to its aura, it is crucial for such organizations to prioritize thorough risk assessments and implement adequate protective measures.
Bored Ape Yacht Club’s ApeFest may have experienced setbacks due to the unfortunate eye-related incidents, but these occurrences provide an opportunity for reflection and growth. As the NFT community continues to flourish and digital art enthusiasts gather in various events, it is imperative that event organizers prioritize the health and safety of their attendees. By learning from this incident, future gatherings can be better prepared, ensuring a more enjoyable and safe experience for all participants.