What it means
The eyes are pushed or pulled down, and the white of the eye (sclera) shows between the upper lid and the iris. In infants it is a classic sign of hydrocephalushy-droh-SEF-uh-lusA buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid inside the spaces (ventricles) of the brain.hydr/o watercephal/o head-us noun endingFull entry and increased pressure inside the skull. It can appear briefly in some healthy newborns.
For the nurse
In an infant, check for it along with head circumference, a bulging fontanel, a high-pitched cry and irritability, and report it.
At a glance
| Also written | setting sun sign, sunset eyes, sunsetting eyes |
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Related terms
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
hydrocephalus
A buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid inside the spaces (ventricles) of the brain.