sneezing in relation to the sun

[theoak01]

Ive had this weird thing where everytime I go out into the sun,or if I catch a reflection off something shiney I go into a huge sneezing fit for 1-3 minutes.

the only way to prevent this is to wear sun glasses,but Im just curious as to what may be the cause of this,I have no allergies and it happens year round.

thanks
Oak

 

[Growth&Courage]

Strange. Very strange, hopefully someone will be here to offer you some advice.
I bet KIAN is going to jump out in a minute.

 

[MikeMartial]

Your olfactory nerve crosses you optical nerve. Stimulate the optical nerve, and your olfactory nerve may also be stimulated.

Note: This only happens with some people, some of the time.

 

[sublime35]

I know that if i feel i need to sneeze and it won't come out i can look at the sun or a really bright light and it will make me sneeze. I'm not the only one like this, i tell it to anyone and it works 85% of the time.

 

[Growth&Courage]

Your olfactory nerve crosses you optical nerve. Stimulate the optical nerve, and your olfactory nerve may also be stimulated.

Note: This only happens with some people, some of the time.

Great point Mike, the olfactory nerves does indeed connect to the optical nerves and this woluld be an excellent start in constructing a plausible hypothesis that perhaps TheOak1's optical nerves are ultra-sensitive to sunlight or rays. I know that certain medications (eg: Roaccutane) causes hypersensitivity to the eyes when direct exposure to sunlight is engaged with. (not sure about AAS -would be very interesting to find out)

I think this case may require advanced diagnostic approach so a combination of Opththalmologist (eye doctor specialist) and Otolaryngologist [ear-nose-throat specialist(ENT)] would be your best bet. Good Luck!

 

[tbuz67]

I do this too and I'll sneeze. Or if I pull a nose hair.

 

[theoak01]

it doesnt effect my vision,I have 20/25 in both eyes last time I got checked,it just find it rather annoying, maybe one day ill check it out with a doc

 

[USMC fighter]

lol oak happens to me all the time, even when going from artificial light to sunlight will cause me a sneezing fit.

 

[theoak01]

I guess Im not as abnormal as I thought

 

[Maetenloch]

I've always had this as well. According to the Straight Dope, it's called the photic sneeze reflex and is caused by signal leakage between the optic and olfactory nerves, and is also genetic. See http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_303.html

 

[dutchman063]

happens to me all the time too.. i good for 6 sneezes every single time..no more no less...

 

[muscelove]

Mee too.. My friend can sneeze all day if he looks at the sun enough. Its funny cause hes a roofer so hes in the sun all day. Surprised he hasnt fallen yet.