The Prevalence of Inherited Color Vision Deficiency among Palestinian Medicine and Health Sciences Students (Optometry)

Supervisor :

Dr.Ithar Beshtawi

Dr.Liana Labadi

Abstract :

Introduction:Inherited color deficiencies are caused by inherited photopigment abnormalities. The inability to distinguish certain shades of color or in more severe cases -see colors at all- is known as Color Vision deficiency. These conditions are divided into three major categories: red-green color vision deficiency, blue-yellow color vision deficiency, and a complete absence of color vision. Until now no treatment toexiststo cure color deficiencies but some alternative and adaptive methods are used to improve discrimination of some colors. Color defective students and professionals may be unable to define the color of the disease signs, exposing the patient to unnecessary risks by making improper diagnosis and consequently ineffective and harmful management.

Objectives: We aimed in this study to measurethe prevalence of Color Vision deficiency among Palestinian Medicine and Health Sciences Students and to assess the associated risk factors.

Design: A Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methodology: nine hundred and twenty five participants   (N = 925, Males =95, Females =830) were recruited to participate in this study using proportionate stratified random sampling, they underwent a validated face-to–face questionnaire. Both Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates and the Farnsworth Dichotomous test (D-15) were utilized in the screening under True daylight illumination. For whom failed in stage one we referred them to stage two which include comprehensive eye exam and FM 100-hue test.

Results: 1.83% of the Medicine & Health Sciences students had inherited color vision deficiency, with a prevalence of 4.21 % among males and 1.56% among females. Prematurity and male gender considered a risk factors of CVD with (P value = 0.074) and (P value = 0.069) respectively.

Discussion: The color vision prevalence in this study was higher among males than females, similar to the worldwide prevalence of 8% among males and 0.4% among females. Within middle-eastern countries the prevalence of inherited color deficiencies ranges between 2.04%-8.2% for males and 0.35%-0.53% for females. The higher prevalence among females is probably due to the incomplete stage two examinations, the color vision screening was conducted on 925 students (Males: 95, Females: 830) from the original sample size of (1358: Males: 139, Females: 1219). Studies conducted in the UK suggest that the prevalence of inherited CVD among medical physicians is about the same as for the population at large which accounted of 8% among males and 0.4% among females. Prematurity were found to be a significant risk factors associated of CVD as confirmed in study among British populations.

Conclusion: The prevalence of inherited CVD in males is higher than in females, similar to what is reported in literature. The results of this study should be used to develop a screening program within the university for examining and testing first year students and to increase awareness about this condition.