Sunshine in My Eyes . . .Ah. . .Ah. . .CHOOOO!

Image from Subway Philosophy

I was surprised when I came across this story this morning, because I wasn't aware that this was a common issue for people.  I knew that bright light could encourage a sneeze in people, but I didn't know it was a widespread cause of sneezes.  I'm the only one I know who can--without fail--walk out into sunlight and sneeze within seconds.  Two or three times each time, if I'm up for it.  Ever since I was a baby, the glare from the sun (no need to look directly at it) causes a big, throaty, fogger of a sneeze, followed by sequels if I do nothing to stop them.  If 30% of people are thus "afflicted," why don't I hear more people in the public achooing when they come out of movies, casinos or restaurants? It's always just me.

[Excerpt]

Need to Sneeze at the Sight of Light?



Photic sneezing is a common but mysterious phenomenon.As with many quirky aspects of the human body, no one knows exactly why some people sneeze at the sight of bright light. There are theories that bright light somehow triggers the other nerves involved in sneezing. Maybe the light flooding into the eye or squinting in reaction to bright light causes a crossed signal of sorts, making the body think a sneeze is in order. . .
 
Read more at: MSN