Color Vision Deficiency Prevalence among NEET-UG Aspirants: A Medical Examination Analysis in Meerut
Background: Color vision deficiency (CVD), a genetic disorder affecting the cones in the retina, is prevalent across human populations. It is a sex-linked recessive trait, occurring predominantly in males and transmitted through females. Studies in Eastern India have shown a significant prevalence o...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-07-01
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| Series: | Delhi Journal of Ophthalmology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/DLJO.DLJO_40_24 |
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| Summary: | Background:
Color vision deficiency (CVD), a genetic disorder affecting the cones in the retina, is prevalent across human populations. It is a sex-linked recessive trait, occurring predominantly in males and transmitted through females. Studies in Eastern India have shown a significant prevalence of CVD, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and screening, especially in fields where color discrimination is crucial, such as medicine.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of color vision defects in NEET-UG medical aspirants at our medical college, Meerut, and to raise awareness about this condition.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted from July 15 to August 15, 2023, on 2000 students (1124 males, 876 females). A detailed questionnaire assessed visual acuity, familial medical history, ocular health, and Vitamin A supplementation. Color vision was evaluated using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic color plates.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 20.4 years. Color blindness prevalence was 2.6% (52/2000), exclusively in males. Among these, 45 were partially color blind and 7 were totally color blind. Surprisingly, 75% of the affected group were previously unaware of their condition. In addition, 21% had a family history of color blindness.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the lack of awareness of color vision defects among future medical professionals. It advocates for early screening and counseling, with an emphasis on students before they embark on specialized educational paths. This approach is vital for the timely detection and management of CVD in medical training and practice. |
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| ISSN: | 0972-0200 2454-2784 |