Skip to content
Exercise caution this festive season, the warning from English and American researchers published in the Christmas edition of The British Medical Journal (The BMJ). Eye injuries during the opening of Champagne can be severe, but they are easily avoidable.
The Threat of Bubbly
Scientists explain that the pressure in a 750ml champagne or sparkling wine bottle is roughly three times higher than the pressure in a standard car tire. The cork can shoot off up to 42 feet at speeds of up to 50 mph.
Moreover, the cork can travel from the bottle to the eye in less than 0.05 seconds, so you literally won’t have time to blink. Such an injury can, among other things, result in permanent blindness, retinal detachment, and dislocated lenses.
Research Dedicated to Eye Injuries from Corks
For instance, a study published in 2005 revealed that corks from champagne bottles account for 20% of eye injuries related to bottle caps in the United States and 71% in Hungary. While the vision of many improved, the study indicated that in 26% of cases, people remained blind.
In 2009, a review of 34 cases of eye injuries caused by corks and caps from sparkling wine bottles in Italy identified injuries including bleeding, dislocated lenses, and traumatic cataract formation. Complications involved disruptions in pupil movement, detachment of the iris, yellow spot degeneration, and glaucoma.
Safeguarding Champagne Consumption
The authors of the review believe that these studies underscore the need for awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals. Measures include warning labels on bottles and alternative packaging materials, such as screw caps.
Several practical tips for reducing the risk of eye injuries from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
- Chill the bottle before opening to reduce pressure and cork speed. Avoid shaking the bottle for the same reason.
- Point the bottle at a 45º angle away from yourself and others.
- Carefully remove the wire cage from the top of the bottle while simultaneously pressing down on the cork with the palm of your hand.
- Place a towel over the top of the bottle and firmly grip the cork.
- Gently twist the bottle until the cork loosens.
- Counteract the force of the cork by pressing against it.
Immediately seek the advice of an ophthalmologist, even after minor eye injuries, to minimize the risk of vision deterioration.
And, heed the warning from the Women’s Health School: there is no safe dose of alcohol. Therefore, celebrate responsibly and embrace the benefits of a healthy lifestyle every day 💖.
