BackgroundPseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) is the most common identifiable cause of secondary glaucoma, the prevalence of which varies considerably among different ethnicities. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in Pakistan.MethodsA prospective study conducted in the period from January 2003 to June 2004 in a teaching hospital serving a population of about 7.6 million. 1860 patients aged 45 or above attending the general ophthalmic clinics were recruited for this study. A detailed evaluation including ophthalmic and general history, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy and dilated eye examination was performed on all patients.Results120(6.45%) subjects were found to have PXS with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. All 120 (100%) cases were bilateral and 48(40%) patients had high intraocular pressure.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in a Pakistani population to determine the prevalence of PXS. The prevalence rate of 6.45% is similar to other studies conducted in south Asia, however all cases were bilateral and quite a high percentage of patients had high intra-ocular pressure.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the mean change in selected chemical analytes with and withoutapplication of tourniquet. Data source: Blood samples were collected from all persons irrespective of age and gender visiting pathologylaboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Study design: The study was a Quasi experimental study. Setting: The studywas carried out in Pathology Laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur on Selectra XL and Easy lyte. Period: October 2011to April 2012. Subject and method: Blood samples were taken from both arms of 265 volunteer with one difference that standardizedexternal pressure of 60 mm Hg was applied by using a sphygmomanometer for one minute on one arm and on other arm blood samplewas collected without application of tourniquet. Results: Samples with tourniquet application showed statistically significant meanincrease in serum concentration of protein (p =0.001), cholesterol (p=0.03), calcium (p =0.007) and potassium (p=0.0001). Themean concentration of serum sodium and chloride showed no statistically significant change after one minute of tourniquet application.Conclusions: The tourniquet application of one minute influence certain laboratory parameters, so its use should be kept to a minimum.