Why Do Our Eyes Close When We Sneeze?

Our eyes close involuntarily when we sneeze. This is a completely natural reflex that is related to certain nerve connections. The old popular belief that when we sneeze we close our eyes so that they don’t fall out is wrong. This explanation probably came about because of the enormous forces that work when sneezing.

Sneezing is a complex self-cleaning mechanism of the body. When we breathe in through the nose, we not only take in breathing air, but also dust and other particles. If these particles get to the sensory cells in the nose, a sneezing sensation can arise, which often begins with a tingling sensation in the nose. To counter that, we take a deep breath and then expel the air from the nose and mouth with high pressure. The air is accelerated enormously by the jerky contractions of the abdominal and chest muscles. The speed of the air when sneezing can reach up to 160 kilometers per hour.

To Protect The Eyes

When sneezing, not only are the triggering foreign bodies expelled, but also secretions from the nose and saliva from the mouth, which contain numerous bacteria and germs. It is believed that we humans have to close our eyes when we sneeze to protect them from the emitted germs.

Everyone sneezes in their own way, some people sneeze so loud as to cause unrest amongst others and some almost inaudibly silent. Some people cover their noses so as not to disturb their fellow human beings.

However, this should only be done by those who are completely healthy in the ear, nose and throat area. People with a cold run the risk of pushing the pathogens into the sinuses with the high pressure when they sneeze. This can worsen the disease by introducing new pathogens and diseases to sinuses. People who have problems related to pressure equalization in the ear or who have just had an operation of the eardrum should also let the sneeze reflex run free so as not to infect the ear.

For all healthy people, holding your nose while sneezing can also have a positive effect, because this way the Eustachian tube (ear trumpet), the connection between the ear and throat, can be opened and stretched. This enables pressure equalization between the outside air and the middle ear, which is particularly necessary when flying or diving.

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Sneezing can lead to the transmission of disease when secretions are expelled and therefore it is polite to hold a handkerchief in front of your nose or to sneeze in the crook of your arm. It is necessary that along with others, you don’t infect yourself.