What can't most people do simultaneously?

Of course, when you sneeze, you usually don't see those fluids being expelled from your nose. Why not? Because your eyes are closed! If you've ever thought about it or watched other people sneeze, you know that the eyes automatically close right before the sneeze explodes from the nose. But why is that?

If you ask children on the playground at school, some of them may tell you a wild tale. For many years, an urban legend has made its way from school to school. It usually goes something along the lines of “if you sneeze with your eyes open, your eyes will pop out of your head." Could there be any truth to this claim?

Fear not, fellow sneezers! The act of sneezing — also known as sternutation — will not cause your eyes to pop out, even if you do sneeze with your eyes open. And, yes, it is possible to sneeze with your eyes open. It's just very difficult and you have to make a concerted effort to keep your eyes open. Some people who try to sneeze with their eyes open can only accomplish this feat if they hold their eyelids open!