The Dude Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 OK, I've just recently dicovered this, and was curious whether or not anyone else has as well.I was discussing this with a friend, and lately I've noticed if I stare at something really intently... say, for example, a spot on the wall or a point in the distance... that 9 times out of 10 it will trigger a sneeze. Sometimes even a double or triple, depending on the intensity of my focus. At first I thought it was just an OCD thing, but I found that if I really latch onto something with my eyes and gaze at it without allowing anything to disrupt my concentration, it's an almost surefire "hands-free" inducing method.So, am I nuts or is there a valid physiological explanation for all this?Inquiring minds and all that.....J Link to comment
The Dude Posted May 13, 2007 Author Share Posted May 13, 2007 Added sidenote: it works particularly well with letters on the screen. Could have something to do with the brightness of the monitor... Link to comment
shy guy Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 I think the effect you're describing is related to the photic sneezing reflex; staring intently at an object creates strain in the ocular muscles, triggering the same feedback loop as sudden exposure to bright light. This is just a theory, but it seems to make sense. Now all I have to do is find something to stare at! Link to comment
Sneesee Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Um, I was going to say what shy guy said, because I remember you being photic, J!! Can you come stare at MY computer screen for awhile? I do wish that worked for me. I know that if I have a stuck one, I can sometimes use a bright light to get it to come out, so maybe I'll try staring at my monitor next time. Link to comment
Lalena Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 That is really interesting! I seriously just tried staring at a spot on the wall for like 10 minutes before I responded to this thread ... so clearly I have no life . It didn't work for me, unfortunately, but I am not photic. I bet there is some sort of connection between photic sneezing and this staring method like Sneesee and shy guy suggested. Link to comment
The Dude Posted May 14, 2007 Author Share Posted May 14, 2007 Um, I was going to say what shy guy said, because I remember you being photic, J!! Can you come stare at MY computer screen for awhile? I do wish that worked for me. I know that if I have a stuck one, I can sometimes use a bright light to get it to come out, so maybe I'll try staring at my monitor next time. It's also a good way to toast your corneas, but hey, whatever works! And yes, I am about as photic as can be, so shy guy's explanation definitely makes sense. Thanks for all the input! Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.