2006-08-20 01:18:23 · 19 answers · asked by Bruno Mindhorn 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Q: Why do you close your eyes when sneezing? —LMA, Sandia Park, New Mexico
A: Sorry, we don’t know why most people close their eyes when sneezing. Not all do.
Some experts guess that we’ve evolved closing eyes to reduce sneeze spray landing in our eyes. However, our eyes are exposed constantly to bacteria and viruses and have good defenses without eye closing.
Closing eyes (or keeping them open) is part of the sneeze reflex. It’s a reflex—meaning we have no conscious control of sneezes. Instead, the primitive part of the brain (called the medulla oblongata and located at the top of the spine) calls the shots. The reflex triggers major muscles of face, throat, and chest to fire out gunk going at 100 mph (150 kph) as fast as a pitcher’s fastball.
Most people tighten the eye muscles, causing them to shut, as they tighten the other muscles involved in a sneeze. But not all do. Some sneeze with their eyes open. Either way, it’s part of the inborn sneeze reflex.
In 1888, Thomas Edison hit upon the idea of movies from looking at sequential pictures of someone sneezing.
2006-08-20 02:01:55 · answer #1 · answered by dcomputerman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
O_O no.. it truly is not conceivable to have your eyes open even as you sneeze... it truly is because sneeze is an involuntary action, that contains a number of events to take position (head jerking ahead, eyelids ultimate, eyes watering etc) a majority of those events come as a kit.. also in the time of sneezing rigidity builds up in head and respiration passage and to guard your eyes the eyelids immediately close... and right it really is a hyperlink that assures you that your eyes received't come out in case you sneeze with eyes open... solid day! :-)
2016-11-05 05:28:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes opened, because it's a reflex action comes from the medulla oblengata of the brain without humen thinking.
2006-08-20 09:24:36 · answer #3 · answered by Nightingale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This a reflex action.It is quick and is controlled by spinal cord. Unless there is an artificially created situation to keep the eyelids open while sneezing it won't be possible under normal circumstances.
2006-08-20 01:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by nkmy83@yahoo.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive done it before!! I think i was watching pirates of the caribbean and i sneezed but i didnt miss a wink!
I think that's just an urban legend....its like when people say that when you sneeze and break wind at the same time your insides explode...
2006-08-20 01:23:02 · answer #5 · answered by Angel_like 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No It's impossible, because each time you sneeze your heart skips a beat and your lifeless for a second.( I even tried keeping my eyes open before it didn't work.)
2006-08-20 01:49:47 · answer #6 · answered by basx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If people sneezed with their eyes open... their eyeballs would shoot out of their heads. Not only is it a reflex... it is a safety mechanism that is built into all of us.... happened with evolution of the strongest... the ones with eyeballs got to evolve further.... least that's the darwinian theory.
2006-08-20 01:25:02 · answer #7 · answered by WenckeBrat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, although it is an autonomous reflex to shut one's eyes during a sneeze. Like many reflexes, however, this one can be fought and overcome, although with sporadic success.
2006-08-20 01:22:57 · answer #8 · answered by Jake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, it is possible if some one were to be anethitized, in a coma, or is paralized around the eyes, then for them to enduce a sneeze. In paralizing them around the eyes, their eyes are forced to stay open,
2006-08-20 05:59:13 · answer #9 · answered by TJG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but you'll need a couple of dixie cups and some tape to cover the empty sockets on your way to emergency room when they blow out.
2006-08-20 02:36:42 · answer #10 · answered by Boliver Bumgut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋