Astigmatismwas found to be the most common refractive error in this population of thenorthwest region of the Argentine Patagonia. This high prevalence could beprincipally related to environmental factors such as constant winds carryingsand and clay soil particles that induce a forced half-close of eyelids withthe consequent lid pressure on the cornea. Ethnic and genetic factors, as wellas malnutrition may also contribute to this high prevalence.5,6

Thegeneral prevalence of myopia was low. It was more frequently observed in women,generally involved in knitting and tissue manufacturing from lamb wool, incontrast with men that perform outdoor activities. Epidemiological studies haveshown that the development of myopia is positively related with educationallevel and near vision use.1,2

Furtherstudies must be conducted in order to assess the significance of refractiveerrors affecting other rural populations from different regions in Argentinathat are frequently marginalized from national health policies.