Exploding beverage bottles can cause serious ocular injuries. The mechanisms of injury & consequences were studied retrospectively in 21 patients admitted to hospital between 1982-1992. Most of the patients (76%) were injured by the 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 the patents, 12 had severe globe contusions & 9 had lamellar or penetrating globe injuries. In 83% of the contusions, 100% of the lamellar injuries & 62% of the penetrating eye injuries, almost complete visual rehabilitation was achieved. Vision was saved in all the injured eyes. About 2% of all eye injuries are caused by bottle explosions. The consumer can reduce the danger of bottle explosions by storing in a cool place & not shaking.
