Champagne is a famous celebratory drink that people prepare when they have something to celebrate. When the cork is popped from the champagne, it symbolizes an explosion of joy but not all people are aware that popping a bottle of champagne comes with risk.
The cork of champagne can fly up to 50 miles per hour (mph) if separated in the bottle which is fast enough to shatter the glass or hit something. The reason behind it is the pressure inside the champagne bottle. The dangerous part is when the cork hits an eye. Bleeding, abrasions and even glaucoma can occur.
Are Champagne Cork Accidents Real?
Most people do not believe that champagne cork accidents are real until they have experienced them. According to Andrew Iwach, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, “Injuries from champagne cork do happen and it comes with real consequences.”
An example of this incident happened in August 2019 with reality star Theo Campbell. Someone popped a bottle of champagne near his face and the cork flew into his right eyes that caused his eyeball to split in half. Even with two surgeries, his injured eye did not have his vision back.
Dr. Monica L. Monica, an ophthalmologist, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology mentioned that you do not have time to react and protect your eye when a champagne cork flies because of its speed.
Dr. Iwach had a patient with cataracts and advanced glaucoma after a champagne cork injury. It was 20 years ago and she was treated for the accident but she did not undergo any follow-up exams. She is silently losing her vision during those 20 years.
It is important to have long-term follow-up care even after the injury to detect any problems. Do not neglect the eye injury and try to treat it with home remedies. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Are the Basic Rules to Pop a Champagne Cork Safely?
- Chill the champagne to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or colder before opening it. Warm bottles of champagne can pop unexpectedly.
- Do not shake because shaking it will increase the speed of the release of cork.
- Do not point the bottle in anyone’s direction. Position it at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and people to open it safely.
- When firmly twisting the bottle, press down on the cork.
- Handle glasses with care to avoid breaking them.
- Do not use a corkscrew to open champagne or sparkling wine.
