Monday, November 4, 2013

Why do we close eyes when sneezing?

                            Why do we close eyes when sneezing?

The closing of eyes is an involuntary reflex. But it is certainly possible keep our eyes open when sneezing , but it requires working against the reflex.
When our brain senses the entry of an irritant , it sends the message to close the eyes. Sneezing is a protective mechanism of the body to expel the dust , pollen  and other allergens.
It's very common to sneeze, when we have cold. Inside of the nasal cavity becomes swollen and more sensitive than usual. The nerves in the area of allergen, senses this and sends message to brain and and brain initiates the activity to expel this irritant by sneezing.