Experts issue warning over dangers of champagne corks this festive season

Partygoers this holiday season are being warned to practice caution when opening champagne bottles to avoid devastating eye injuries.

Research published in the BMJ today revealed the pressure in a standard 750ml bottle of champagne or sparkling wine was three times as high as a standard car tyre.

Due to the rapid release of carbon dioxide, a cork can travel to the eye in 0.5 seconds at speeds of 80km/h and result in injuries such as permanent blindness, retinal detachment and lens dislocation.

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Researchers pointed to a recent case in 2022 in which cyclist Biniam Girmay was struck in the left eye after he uncorked a bottle of prosecco on the winners' podium at the Giro d'Italia.

As a result, he was rushed to hospital and had to pull out of the next stage of the competition.

According to a study published in 2005, champagne corks were responsible for 20 per cent of eye injuries in the United States and 71 per cent in Hungary.

Of those who suffered cork-related injuries, at least 26 per cent remained legally blind.

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Another review in 2009 found that 34 cases of eye injuries in Italy were caused by corks and caps from sparkling wine bottles with injuries including bleeding, lens dislocation and traumatic cataract formation.

Researchers said cork-related injuries were easily avoidable and are now urging the need for awareness and preventative measures to reduce the risk of harm.

Safety guidance in line with advice from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes chilling the bottle before uncorking to reduce pressure and cork velocity.

Other measures include pointing the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from the face and others and counteracting the upward-moving force of the cork by pressing down on it.

The authors said if an injury should occur, people should consult an ophthalmologist immediately to minimise the risk of vision impairment.