Before you begin the big New Year's Eve countdown, make sure to keep friends and family safe as the bubbly is opened.

"Champagne cork eye injuries can have a devastating impact on your vision," said Kuldev Singh, M.D., M.P.H., clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Professor of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine. "Eye-related cork injuries can lead to acute glaucoma, detached retina and staining of the cornea, all of which can result in decreased vision. Many champagne cork-related eye injuries necessitate urgent surgery to prevent significant, permanent vision loss -- a terrible way to spend the holidays."

A few tips:

• Chill sparkling wine to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening...corks of warm bottles are more likely to pop unexpectedly.
• No shaking! Shaking the bottle increases the speed at which the cork leaves the bottle, increasing your chances of severe eye injury.
• Hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and from any bystanders.
• Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle and grasp the cork.
• Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle as you slowly and firmly twist the bottle while holding the cork to break the seal. Continue to hold the cork while twisting the bottle. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the force of the cork using slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.

One more note: Never use a corkscrew to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine!

_{Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology. A Cork In The Eye Is No Way To Spend The Holiday. Medical News Today, 29 Dec 2009.}

_{Image © Stockbyte / Getty Images}

Do you eat carotenoids regularly? Found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, carotenoids have been found to increase visual performance and may prevent age-related eye diseases, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science. A study was conducted at the University of Georgia that compared the effects of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance.

Need more reasons to eat right? Lutein and zeaxanthin found in certain fruits and veggies can reduce discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, and reduce photostress recovery times. They can also reduce glare from light absorption and increase the visual range. Pass the fruit bowl.

Suggested Reading: Nutrients for Eye Health

_{Source: Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
Eat Fruits And Vegetable For Better Vision. Medical New Today, 17 Dec 2009.}

_{Photo © Kris Timken / Getty Images}

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that usually affects older adults. AMD results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. The sometimes blinding disease occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms...learn about the causes and symptoms of both.

Suggested Reading:

• All About Macular Degeneration
• AMD Risk Factors
• Tips for AMD Patients

Don't let a serious eye injury ruin your holidays this season. Some popular children's gifts can cause serious eye injuries. December is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds parents of the dangers that toys may pose to children's eyes and offers these tips on how to choose safe toys for gift-giving:

• Select only those gifts that are appropriate for your child's age and maturity level.
• Do not purchase toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
• Supervise small children when playing with potentially hazardous toys that could cause injury.
• Think twice before giving darts, air or pellet guns or other firearms.

_{Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology}