Sneezing Shuts Eyes

When we sneeze, our eyes automatically close, but the exact reason for this is still a scientific mystery. Sneezing is a reflex action, and closing the eyes is usually a part of it. Medically referred to as sternutation, a sneeze is triggered when an irritant comes into contact with the nasal mucosa, sending a signal to the brain that results in the involuntary action.

A person sneezes around 5,000 droplets of mucus and air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. During this process, the eyes close, but there is no definitive clinical data that explains exactly why we close our eyes while sneezing. Optometrist Bert Moritz of the Mayo Clinic Health System explained that closing the eyes while sneezing is an involuntary reflex, similar to a deep tendon reflex.

Some theories suggest that the eyelids stay shut so that the germs we sneeze out do not land on the eyes. It is also possible that a series of muscles tighten during the involuntary action. However, it is possible to sneeze with one’s eyes open, but most people will have to make a concerted effort to override the involuntary reflex.

## Why it matters The reason behind closing our eyes while sneezing may seem like a minor mystery, but it highlights the complexities of the human body and its many involuntary actions. Understanding these actions can provide insights into the workings of the brain and the nervous system. While the exact reason for closing our eyes while sneezing remains unknown, it is clear that it is an involuntary reflex that is an integral part of the sneezing process.

It is worth noting that the idea that closing our eyes while sneezing prevents our eyeballs from falling out of their sockets is simply a myth. In reality, closing the eyes while sneezing has nothing to do with the eyeballs attempting to fall out of the sockets during a sneeze. The true reason, however, remains a topic of speculation and scientific investigation.