Sunset phenomenon

A downward look of the eyes with opened lids is called the sunset phenomenon in infants . The lower part of the cornea is pushed under the lower eyelid, so that the iris with the white sclera visible above it looks like a setting sun. The sunset phenomenon is to a certain extent a normal process in the neonatal period , since the oculomotor ( eye movement ) is not yet fully coordinated. After this phase at the latest, however, it is a serious symptom and can be seen as a symptom of vertical gaze palsy ( Parinaud syndrome ) upwards with agonistic eyelid retraction e.g. B. indicate a mass with increased intracranial pressure . It is also known as a symptom of hydrocephalus .

Sources, literature

• Marianne Neumann, Karl Friedrich Masuhr: Dual row neurology . Georg Thieme Verlag, 6th edition, 2007. ISBN 978-3131359469
• Jürgen Kunze: Wiedemann's Atlas of Clinical Syndromes: Phenomenology - Etiology - Differential Diagnosis . Verlag Schattauer, 6th edition 2009. ISBN 978-3794526574
• Robert Ploier: Differential Diagnoses in Child and Adolescent Medicine . Georg Thieme Verlag 2012, ISBN 978-3131711717

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !