Be Careful Opening the Bubbly

SATURDAY, Dec. 31 (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.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: American Academy of Ophthalmology, news release, December 2005

Last Updated: Dec. 31, 2005