Why is it impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?

There is a common belief that it is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. This belief has taken hold in popular culture and is often mentioned in books and articles about trivial and fun facts. But is there any truth to this statement?

The answer is that sneezing with your eyes open is not impossible, but it is incredibly difficult to do. When you sneeze, the muscles in your face, throat and chest contract violently, which can cause your eyes to close reflexively. However, some people can overcome this reflex and keep their eyes open while sneezing.

However, it is usually not advisable to try to keep your eyes open while sneezing, as this can cause injury or damage to your eyes. When you sneeze, droplets containing mucus and other particles fly out of your nose and mouth at high speed. If you keep your eyes open while sneezing, these droplets can get into your eyes, which can lead to irritation or infection. In addition, the force of sneezing can cause damage to the delicate tissues of the eyes and adjacent areas.

In conclusion, although it is technically possible to sneeze with your eyes open, doing so is not recommended. The reflex to close the eyes while sneezing is a natural and protective mechanism, and attempting to overcome this reflex can have undesirable consequences.