Warning of 50-mile-per-hour champagne corks as drinker undergoes emergency eye surgery

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Doctors are warning about dangers of champagne bottles after a man ended up with broken glass in his eye.

Fabio Bassi was opening a bottle of champagne when the cork flew out and hit him in the eye, breaking his glasses - and forcing glass into his face.

He was taken to the Western Eye Hospital in west London and had to go emergency surgery to repair the cuts to his cornea.

While Fabio is recovering well, he will require further reconstructive surgery to improve his vision.

Ali Mearza, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, has warned:

In a bid to cut back on future injuries this festive season, the American Academy of Ophthalmology have released five simple tips for opening the bubbly tipple.

  • Chill sparkling wine and Champagne to 45 degrees Fahrenheit / 7 degree Celsius or colder before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly

  • Don't shake the bottle. Shaking increases the speed at which the cork leaves the bottle thereby increasing your chances of severe eye injury

  • 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

  • Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle and grasp 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