According to the British Journal of Ophthalmology, corks can reach the eye in less than 0.05 seconds from a typical opening distance. As such, eye doctors across the country see a spike in eye related injuries around the holidays from champagne corks. While of course, we don't see this as a reason not to participate in the fun, here are a few tips to celebrate safely:
- Chill the bottle for several hours in the fridge.
- Remove the bottle without shaking it, and un-do the cage over the cork. Some recommend keeping the cork covered at all times with a towel to prevent early, unexpected mishaps!
- Point the bottle at a 45 degree angle, AWAY from yourself or anyone else (This is the most important… most accidents occur from people looking at the cork while removing it, according to one source).
- Slowly twist the bottle, while holding onto the cork, and a small, little ‘whoop’ with bubbles of happiness should ensue.
- Enjoy, happily and SAFELY, and save yourself an unnecessary eye exam :).
