Popping a bottle of champagne is serious business, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Bad cork-removal technique can lead to potentially blinding eye injuries.

“A cork can fly up to 50 miles per hour as it leaves the bottle,” said Tamara Fountain, M.D., Jim’s doctor and a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Warm bottles of champagne and poor technique in removing the cork can result in serious, blinding eye injuries. Anything that travels with such momentum can have a devastating effect if it strikes your eye.”

Luckily, the ophthalmologists have some tips on opening a bottle of champagne properly and avoiding a wayward cork to the eye.

Firstly, sparkling wine should be chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening.

Secondly, don’t shake the bottle. It only increases the chances of an eye injury or broken chandelier.

When opening the bottle, you should 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 any bystanders. Slowly twist the bottle while holding the cork. When the cork is almost free of the neck, use slight downward pressure to counter the force of the cork.

For extra protection, place a towel over the top of the bottle and grasp the cork.

Finally, never use a corkscrew to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.