[Eye injuries caused by opening or explosion of beverage bottles]

Exploding beverage bottles can cause serious ocular injuries. The mechanisms of injury and the consequences were studied retrospectively in 21 patients admitted to the hospital between 1982 and 1992. Most of the patients (76%) were injured by propulsion of the bottle cap. Bottle explosions following dropping on the floor were the most frequent cause of perforating ocular injuries by glass fragments from a beverage bottle. Among our patients, 12 (57%) had severe globe contusions and 9 (43%) had lamellar or penetrating globe injuries. In 83% of the contusions, 100% of the lamellar injuries and 62% of the penetrating eye injuries almost complete visual rehabilitation (vision 0.5-1.0) was achieved. Vision was saved in all the injured eyes. About 2% of all eye injuries admitted to hospital are caused by bottle explosions. The consumer can reduce the danger of bottle explosions by storing bottles in a cool place and taking care not to shake then before use. Manufacturing industry is called upon to develop and to use stopper systems connected to the bottles to prevent propulsion of bottle caps.