During Yuga Labs' ApeFest event in Hong Kong on November 4, several attendees reported experiencing eye-related issues, including burns, impaired vision, and "extreme pain" in their eyes. In response to these reports, Yuga Labs' official account on X (formerly Twitter) has acknowledged the concerns and stated that they are actively investigating the root causes of these eye problems. According to Yuga Labs, fewer than 1% of the attendees suffered from eye-related issues, and most of those affected have seen improvements in their condition over time.
The incidents in Hong Kong dominated discussions within the cryptocurrency community over the weekend, leading to various theories being proposed to explain the eye injuries. Some attendees recalled a similar situation that occurred during a promotion six years ago, where third-party contractors mistakenly installed disinfecting ultraviolet (UV) lights instead of stage lights, resulting in eye injuries, burns, blindness, and photokeratitis. The duration of the effects of UV exposure varied, lasting from a few hours to a few days, depending on the level of exposure.
Criticism was also directed at the event organizers, with some attendees suggesting that they should have paid closer attention to basic medical safety hazards. One individual emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when using UV disinfection lamps, citing the potential release of toxic and carcinogenic ozone gas. Many other attendees expressed frustration with Yuga Labs, stating that they had borrowed money to attend the event and were now facing unexpected medical expenses for their eye-related issues.
