While it’s time for those New Year’s parties and celebratory toasts, it’s also important to be aware of how to protect your eyes from flying corks and firework sparklers.
You know what they say, “It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.” So let’s keep the fun and games going by being proactive with these New Year’s safety tips for your eyes:
Pop Bottles of Champagne in (Safe) Style
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without the celebratory champagne toast when the clock strikes 12. However, popping open your favorite bubbly can cause serious, even blinding, eye injuries if not handled properly.
Did You Know: Champagne bottles contain pressure as high as 90 pounds per square inch — more than the pressure found inside a typical car tire. This causes it to travel up to 50 miles per hour as it leaves the bottle!
For safe celebration, follow these steps from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on how to properly open a champagne bottle:
- Never open a warm bottle. Chill sparkling wine and champagne to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or colder before opening.
- Never shake the bottle. This increase pressure and the speed at which the cork could accelerate out of the bottle.
- Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders and hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood on the bottle.
- Use a towel to cover the bottle and twist the cork.
- Twist the bottle while holding the cork at a 45 degree angle to break the seal. Counter the force of the cork using downward pressure as the cork breaks free from the bottle.
Check out this video for a visual demonstration:
Celebrate with Firework Safety
Fireworks are just as necessary on New Year’s Eve as champagne and a ball drop, but they can be very dangerous (even if they’re small).
Did You Know: According to the latest U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission report on fireworks injuries, more than 11,000 injuries occurred in 2013, with 1 in 6 fireworks injuries damaging the eyes.
When lighting sparklers, only light them outdoors and keep a bucket of water close by. Always point the sparkler away from your face and others and soak them in water before placing in the trash.
For larger at home fireworks, only an adult who has read and understood the safety instructions should handle and light these fireworks. Use longer fuses and keep distance between people and the fireworks.
As always, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional display put on by your city or community.
Be Aware of Flying Confetti From Party Poppers
Kids love party poppers and they are a great way to celebrate. However, flying confetti and glitter can quickly become an issue when it gets in your eyes. Remember to always point party poppers away from your face and others and supervise children and instruct them on proper use.
Also, if you got a dud, don’t try to fix it as it could pop right in your face!
As you ring in 2019 we hope you have a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends. Keep these safety tips in mind and you can enter 2019 eye injury-free!
