Carbonated Mineral Water Bottles: An Underrecognized Cause of Ocular Trauma

Abstract

This study evaluated the mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of ocular injuries associated with carbonated mineral water bottles. Twenty patients presenting with bottle-related ocular trauma at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, injury mechanisms, ocular findings, management strategies, and visual outcomes were analyzed. The mean age was 37.2 ± 17.4 years, and most patients were male (75%). Injuries were predominantly caused by high-velocity bottle cap impact during opening (80%), whereas the remaining cases resulted from bottle explosion after impact (20%). Bottle cap injuries were consistently associated with closed-globe trauma, while bottle explosions caused open-globe trauma in most cases. The left eye was more commonly affected (65%), particularly in bottle cap–related trauma. At presentation, 55% of eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/40, increasing to 65% at final follow-up. Hyphema and traumatic cataract were the most frequent anterior segment findings, whereas commotio retinae was the most common posterior segment pathology. Most patients were managed conservatively with medical treatment, while a smaller proportion required retinal laser or surgical intervention. Although visual outcomes were generally favorable, severe injuries could occur, especially following the bottle explosion. Carbonated mineral water bottle–related ocular trauma represents an under recognized yet preventable cause of eye injury, and increased public awareness together with simple safety precautions may help reduce these avoidable accidents.