Attendees of ApeFest in Hong Kong Report Eye Injuries
Several attendees of Yuga Labs’ ApeFest event in Hong Kong have experienced burns, damaged vision, and extreme pain in their eyes. These symptoms are believed to be caused by the improper lighting used at the event. One attendee, CryptoJune, shared on Twitter that they woke up in the middle of the night with intense eye pain and had to go to the hospital. They were informed by a doctor that the UV from the stage lights was responsible for their condition. Another attendee, Feld, also reported similar symptoms.
Vision Damage Limited to Those Close to Stage Lighting
Many of those who suffered eye problems were individuals who were close to the lighting display on the event’s main stage. Social media posts indicate that at least 15 cases of vision damage have been reported out of hundreds of attendees. The concerns seem to be limited to guests who had direct exposure to the stage lighting.
Past Incidents with Improper UV Lighting
This is not the first time partygoers in Hong Kong have experienced medical issues due to improper UV lighting at an event. In 2017, attendees at a party organized by streetwear brand HypeBeast reported burns and eye damage. It was discovered that the contractor responsible for setting up the lighting had used light bulbs emitting high levels of UV-C radiation.
Photokeratitis: The Cause of Vision Damage
The symptoms described by the ApeFest attendees align with a condition called photokeratitis, also known as “Welder’s eye.” Prolonged exposure to high levels of UV radiation can lead to this condition, which is typically associated with artificial sources like welding lamps or bright surfaces reflecting sunlight, such as snow.
Yuga Labs Yet to Comment
Yuga Labs, the organizer of ApeFest, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the reported eye injuries. It is important for event organizers to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees by ensuring proper lighting measures are in place to avoid such incidents in the future.
Hot Take: Eye Injuries at ApeFest Raise Concerns About Event Safety
The eye injuries suffered by attendees at ApeFest in Hong Kong highlight the importance of event organizers prioritizing safety measures. Improper lighting can have severe consequences, causing burns, damaged vision, and extreme pain. It is crucial for event planners to ensure that all lighting equipment meets safety standards and does not pose a risk to attendees’ health. This incident serves as a reminder for both organizers and attendees to be vigilant about potential hazards at events and take necessary precautions to prevent any harm. Safety should always be a top priority when planning and attending large-scale gatherings.
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