Severe ocular trauma—The hidden danger of plastic bottles when throwing out the rubbish. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Philippin, H.; Abbott, J.; Gilmour-White, J.A.; Shah, P.
• Is Part Of: Trauma case reports. Volume 2(2016)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Plastic -- Bottle -- Eye -- Trauma; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Traumatology -- Periodicals; 617.1005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-6440

Abstract

Abstract: This is the first reported case of ocular trauma caused by a plastic bottle cap occurring accidentally without misuse. The mechanism involved an un-emptied plastic bottle containing orange juice being thrown away with other rubbish. The combination of this minor impact and the pressure built up within the bottle through fermentation caused expulsion of the cap at high velocity. This cap caused severe ocular trauma requiring urgent ophthalmic assessment and intervention. Our simple recommendation is that plastic bottles have their caps removed and are emptied before being thrown away.