Why Do People Sneeze When They're Exposed to Light?

Some people sneeze when they see bright light. It’s called the photic sneeze reflex, and it's like a little surprise your body gives you. When you look at something very bright, like sunlight or a flash from a camera, your eyes send a message to your brain. Your brain then sends a message down your nose, telling it to sneeze! It happens because some people have nerves that are extra sensitive and like to take the shortcut from the eye to the nose.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A child sneezes when they step outside into the bright sunlight.
  2. Someone sneezes after looking at a flash from a camera.
  3. A person sneezes when they turn on a very bright light in their bedroom.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity

Nothing here yet.