AIM:TO evaluate chromosome 8 abnormalities in Duane's retraction syndrome(DRS)type 1.METHODS:We evaluated chromosome 8 abnormalities in 29 consecutive cases of DRS type Ⅰ.DNA was isolated from the peripheral leukocytes of patients using a genomic DNA extraction kit,then D8S553 and D8S1797 markers used for polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS:None of the cases were positive for the two markers D8S553 and D8S1797 on chromosome 8 which were tested in our study.CONCLUSION:The possible cause of this finding is that DRS in our patients is more commonly sporadic rather than familial.We recommend study with more cases,other markers,and different chromosomes.