Why do we close our eyes when we sneeze?

Question: Why do we close our eyes when we sneeze?
- Keywords:
  close,
  eyes,
  reflex,
  sneeze
Asked by aldredkwh to Helen, Jenni, Mark, Martin, Stu on 21 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by bealeewh.
- Helen O'Connor answered on 21 Jun 2011:
  
  I dont know – I would think that the pressure of a sneeze might actually cause some damage if we kept our eyes open, but I dont know. I would love to find out for myself. Perhaps one of the scientists who know more about the body would be able to answer this one.

Question: Why do we close our eyes when we sneeze?