# Why do I sneeze when I look at the sun?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [January 19, 2005, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627 "2005-01-19T22:53:56Z")
**Posts on this page:** 8
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@planktonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/planktonian)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/1 "2005-01-19T22:53:56Z")
Most times when i look at the sun from a certain angle I sneeze. I usually sneeze twice and then stop.
My sister is the same.
Does anyone know why this happens.
Thanks
Andy :
---
### Author:  [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/2 "2005-01-19T23:02:43Z")
> [@planktonian](#):
>
> Does anyone know why this happens.
Cecil knows all:
[Why do some people sneeze when going out into bright light?](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_303.html)
---
### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/3 "2005-01-19T23:02:48Z")
[Cecil nose…errr, knows.](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_303.html)
---
### Author:  [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/4 "2005-01-19T23:03:47Z")
I do it too. Some people do not. I’ve heard it’s an inherited trait fairly easy to trace through the family lines.
I suppose it’s there to protect the eyes. Looking at the sun, or any bright light, can damage your vision or make you go blind.
---
### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/5 "2005-01-19T23:03:56Z")
Curse you, **Squink!**! 😛
---
### Author:  [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/6 "2005-01-19T23:04:39Z")
Feeling under the weather today **Q.E.D.**? You’re a little slow. 😉
---
### Author:  [@planktonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/planktonian)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/7 "2005-01-19T23:18:37Z")
Thanks very much. I can now officially class myself as suffering from PSR!! - I wonder if I can get disability benefit 🆒
I will probably subscribe to this site just cos you answered my age old question.
Thanks
---
### Author:  [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2005, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-look-at-the-sun/285627/8 "2005-01-19T23:20:11Z")
Yep. My grandfather, my dad, me and my son. We’re teased in the family for it. But we all have the prettiest blue eyes, so there! 😛