Sneezing is a reflex triggered by irritation in the nasal mucosa and signals sent to the brain. This reflex coordinates our respiratory muscles, diaphragm, and nasal muscles to provide a powerful breath. However, it is noteworthy that our eyes close during a sneeze. There are two main reasons for this.
Reasons Why Our Eyes Close When We Sneeze
The first reason is an evolutionary safety mechanism. During a sneeze, particles expelled from the nose are ejected at high speed. Our eyelids being closed prevents these particles from damaging our eyes and act as shields.
The second reason is that the sneezing and eye-closing reflexes are neurologically linked. Due to this connection, when the sneezing reflex is triggered, our eyelids also involuntarily close.
However, scientists have not yet fully explained why these processes occur exactly.
Can We Sneeze with Our Eyes Open?
Eyeballs popping out is known as a common urban myth, however, this occurs rarely and usually due to abnormalities in the eye muscles. If you want to challenge this reflex and try to keep your eyes open while sneezing, you need to train your body first. Since this is a very strong reflex aimed at clearing the airways, the body exerts significant effort. With enough practice, it might be possible to develop this skill, why not?
Source: Science Daily, Science ABC