THE PREVALENCE OF CONGENITAL COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY IN THE YOUNG MALE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS DETECTION

Abstract

Purpose – to study the prevalence of congenital color vision deficiency (CVD) in the young male population in Azerbaijan.

Material and methods

The study was conducted among young men who underwent examination at the National Ophthalmology Centre named after Academician Zarifa Aliyeva during the first 6 months of 2025. In the analytical, cross-sectional, population-based study, the results of general ophthalmological examination of 2988 men, including color vision test, were analysed. The pseudoisochromatic Ishihara test and Rabkin's polychromatic test were used to detect CVD. Young men with dichromacy and monochromacy were additionally involved in electroretinogram (ERG) examination. The statistical difference between the results was calculated, and the results were considered statistically significant for p<0.05.

Results

The average age of the men included in the study was 21.4 ± 3.3. According to the results, congenital CVD was detected in 21 men (0.7%) among the examined young people. According to the prevalence of different types of CVD, deutranopia (35%) and deutranomaly (45%) were the most common forms of dyschromatopsia (p<0.05). Protanomaly was observed in 10%, protanopia in 5%, and monochromacy in 5% of cases of CVD.

Conclusion

The results show that the prevalence of CVD in young male populations is lower than in other populations. Early detection of CVD plays an important role in eliminating psychosocial barriers in these individuals, including career choice and obtaining a driver's license. In this regard, color vision screening in populations covering different age groups is essential.