by But then — especially when your allergies are frequent — you just have to ask yourself: Is it still possible to sneeze with your eyes open? People have done it again on YouTube (or at least pretended to be quite convincing). Some of the videos even have tens of thousands of views.
In short, yes, it is possible – but it is also difficult, according to Purvi Parikh, MD, who specializes in infectious disease allergens and immunology for adults and children. “Sneezing is an autonomous reflex that closes your eyes with it,” he says. “It simply came to our notice then [your] keep your eyes open, but you have to make an effort to do it. ” (Autonomous reflexes are unconscious motor reflexes transmitted by your organs and glands to your central nervous system. Some examples other than sneezing are breathing, swallowing and sexual arousal.)
He explains that the fact that it is automatic is why most of us close our eyes during a sneeze, although there are not necessarily risks in trying to keep them open. “It’s not harmful, but again, [it] “It takes more effort to keep it open than closed,” he says.
Trying to keep a sneeze, however, can be harmful. May cause ear damage, vertigo, ruptured blood vessels and septal injuries. As you can probably feel in your body, there is a large buildup of pressure that comes with a sneeze and should be let out.
There is no definitive answer as to why our bodies close their eyes while we sneeze, but some experts believe it could be to protect the eyes from allergens or irritants from sneezing (and anything else in your area that causes problems). In other words, it’s probably a good idea to let your body do its job without trying to fight it. Your body will thank you, as will the people around you.
To stop sneezing regularly, you can take over-the-counter allergy medication (if it’s okay with your doctor), pick up an air conditioner, and wash your body and clothes consistently.
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