Eye injuries due to explosion of carbonated drink bottles

Out of a much larger number, 26 patients who were hospitalized in six hospitals in Israel because of eye injuries caused by bottles containing carbonated soft drinks, were traced. In 80% the eye was injured by the flying cap of the bottle and in 20% by glass fragments of the exploding bottle. The majority of these injuries occurred during the hot summer months. Of the injured eyes, 20% have become legally blind, in 15% vision has remained seriously impaired, while in the others good vision was recovered. To prevent this injury, the Israel Institute of Standards has been asked to impose stricter regulations for ensuring the safety of bottles containing carbonated soft drinks, to insist on an improved cap and to oblige producers to attach instructions on proper handling and storage.