Abnormal involuntary eye movements Absent Bell phenomenon 2024-05-08T15:03:21Z Absent palpebral-oculogyric reflex The Bell phenomenon is the reflex upward movement of the front of the eyeball when the eyelids close (or blink). It protects the eye by helping to keep the cornea moist. This term refers to a lack of this phenomenon, which can be observed with certain conditions such as congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles.