Be Careful Opening the Bubbly

Champagne corks cause many holiday eye injuries

SATURDAY, Dec. 31, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- If you plan to pop a cork to mark the start of the new year, do it safely.

Champagne corks are the cause of one of the most common holiday-related eye injuries, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

You can avoid the risk of eye injuries by following these tips:

  • Make sure the champagne is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before you open it. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly and become a dangerous projectile.
  • Remove the wire hood while holding down the cork with the palm of your hand. Point the bottle away from you and others at a 45-degree angle. Place a towel over the entire top and grasp the cork, slowly and firmly twisting it to break the seal.
  • Keeping the bottle at a 45-degree angle, hold it firmly with one hand and use the other hand to slowly turn the cork with a slight upward pull. Continue this action until the cork is almost out of the neck of the bottle.
  • Use slight downward pressure to counter the force of the cork as it breaks free from the bottle.

More information

Prevent Blindness America offers this home eye safety checklist.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com