Serious eye injuries caused by bottles containing carbonated drinks

Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Jan;88(1):69-71. doi: 10.1136/bjo.88.1.69.

Abstract

Aim: To analyse serious eye injuries caused by bottles containing pressurised drinks.

Methods: Retrospective review of the databases of US, Hungarian, and Mexican eye injury registries.

Results: In the combined database (12 889 injuries), 90 cases (0.7%) were caused by bottle tops or glass splinters. The incidence varied widely: 0.3% (United States), 3.1% (Hungary), and 0.9% (Mexico), as did the agent. Champagne bottle corks were responsible in 20% (United States), 71% (Hungary; p<0.0001), and 0% (Mexico). Most eyes improved, but 26% remained legally blind.

Conclusions: The presence of warning labels on champagne bottles appears to reduce cork related eye injuries, as does using plastic bottles and caps.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blast Injuries / etiology
  • Carbonated Beverages*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consumer Product Safety
  • Databases, Factual
  • Eye Injuries / epidemiology
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / epidemiology
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / etiology
  • Female
  • Food Packaging*
  • Glass
  • Humans
  • Hungary / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology