Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Ask CNN: Why Do We Close Our Eyes When We Sneeze?

Aired May 16, 2001 - 09:46   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD FERAN, ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Hi. My name is Todd Feran from Orlando. And my question is: Why do we close our eyes when we sneeze?

RHONDA ROWLAND, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: If you have ever tried to keep your eyes open while you sneeze, you might find it is very difficult, if not impossible to do. Some scientists speculate the reason could be related to sneezing itself. A sneeze is an involuntary reflex to clear your nose of foreign substances, like certain allergens and other particles.

It is a fast and strong release of air to help push out what's there. When you blink your eyes, another involuntary reflex, you are doing, in essence, the same thing: clearing your eyes, as coughing clears your lungs and swallowing clears your mouth and throat. Perhaps your body perceives there is something in the area that shouldn't be there. And by closing your eyes, you are also protecting them from what you are releasing through your nose during a sneeze.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com