The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Why is it absolutely impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?

Phil Underwood

Sneezing with your eyes open is possible 

I got bored one day, so went around playing with pepper and bright lights. I can categorically state that you can sneeze with your eyes open, if you think about it hard enough. And no, your eyes don't pop out. Although if you squeeze a hamsters head in the right place, you can make *its* eyes pop out. Hours of fun...

Anonymous Coward

'Snot true 

Why is this myth perpetuated? I can sneeze without closing my eyes, and if I can I'm sure that many other people can too.

Anonymous Coward

Dislocating Shoulder During Sneeze 

I've managed to dislocate my shoulder twice last year while sneezing. Starting to be a bit more careful about it. New years resolution is not to sneeze.

Anonymous Coward

Sneezing with your eyes closed is for sissies 

heheh - I agree with Snot True response. My brother and I for years used to challenge each other on who could hold their eyes open the widest when sneezing. We were both able to do it, he was finally able to sneeze without his eyes even wincing (which is pretty freaky looking if you can envision it).