Implications of inherited color vision deficiency on occupations: A neglected entity!

PURPOSE: To highlight the plight of individuals with congenital color vision deficiency (CVD). METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which 191 electronic medical records of individuals with the diagnosis of inherited CVD, who visited the eye institute, between January 2010 and January 2021 were included. The inclusion criteria included diagnosis based on the failure in pseudoisochromatic plates (Ishihara / Hardy, Rand and Rittler (HRR) and age range between 18 and 35 years. The patient’s medical history, age, gender, type of defect, and preference for colored contact lenses was noted. Medical records were excluded if the participant had any other ocular pathology apart from congenital CVD. RESULTS: At least 30% (57/191) of the individuals explicitly requested for color vision examination for a job-related purpose. Amongst them, the most common jobs aspired were army (~25%; [14/57]) followed by police (21%; [12/57]). There was only 2.6% (5/191) of individuals in which the type of CVD (protan/deutan) was classified. Only 5.2% of them (10/191) sought an X-Chrome contact lens trial. CONCLUSION: This study reported the occupational setbacks experienced by individuals with CVD. This study highlights the need to identify CVD at a younger age, thereby avoiding occupational-related setbacks later in life.