A man who needed emergency eye surgery after being injured by a flying champagne cork today warned others to be careful when they open bottles during the festive season.
Fabio Bassi had two operations at the Western Eye Hospital in Marylebone Road after a cork shattered his spectacles, leaving him with shards of glass in one of his eyes.
Specialists at the hospital said the incident was rare but advised Christmas drinkers to hold bottles of sparkling wine at 45 degrees while removing the cork and ensure they are chilled before being opened.
After the incident three weeks ago Mr Bassi had an emergency procedure to repair lacerations to his cornea, followed by a further operation to remove a damaged eye lens.
He is recovering well but will require further reconstructive surgery to improve his vision and may also need a cornea transplant.
“It is incredible how quickly a moment of carelessness can turn a pleasant evening into a dramatic accident,” he said. “Be extremely careful when opening a bottle of champagne. I would be delighted if my accident could prevent other people from going through this predicament.”
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Ali Mearza said: “A cork can travel at speeds of up to 50mph as it leaves the bottle, which is enough to shatter glass, so a badly popped cork can easily cause serious eye injuries.
“It can cause haemorrhage within the eye, retinal detachment, lens dislocation and rupture of the delicate eye wall.”
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