Summit Eye Center Blog
Be Careful When Open Your Bottle of Bubbly
As we ring in the New Year, many will pop open a bottle of bubbly in celebration. The popping of the cork comes with some risk. A champagne cork can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph. If this projectile cork hits an eye, it can cause a hyphema (bleeding within the eye), cataract and even glaucoma.
To safely pop a champagne, follow these 3 rules...
Chill the champagne
Champagne is filled with gas bubbles that expand when warm. Chill you bottle in the refrigerator or on ice prior to opening.
Point the bottle away from people
Never point the bottle at other people in the room. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle with the base lower than the opening. Point the bottle away from yourself and any bystanders.
Press and twist
Remove the foil wrapper and wire hood. Place a towel or napkin over the top of the bottle and grasp the cork. Slowly and firmly twist the base of the bottle while holding the cork firmly. Do this until the pressure in the bottle begins to push the cork out naturally. Press down on the cork to prevent it from popping out too quickly. You will hear a “puff”, rather than a loud “pop”.
The team at Summit Eye Center hopes this advice helps make your New Year’s celebration a bit safer.
Summit Eye Center focuses on the medical and surgical management of conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and dry eye. For more information email
