Color Vision Defects in Undergraduate Students of Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of color vision deficiency among undergraduate dental students and to evaluate gender-based differences in its distribution and level of awareness. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 undergraduate dental students of both genders. Visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen chart. Color vision was assessed using the 24-plate Ishihara Test Book for Color Blindness under standardized daylight conditions. Demographic data, including age, gender and self-reported awareness, were recorded. Prevalence of color vision deficiency (CVD) and awareness were analyzed using descriptive statistics on SPSS version 27. The Chi-square test, with Fisher’s exact test where applicable, was used to evaluate associations.

Results

A total of 214 students (106 males and 108 females) with a median age of 20 years (IQR 20–21) were screened. Overall, 206 (96.26%) participants had normal color vision while 8 (3.74%) demonstrated CVD. The association between CVD and gender was statistically significant (p = 0.003), with all affected individuals being male (7.55% prevalence in males versus 0% in females). No statistically significant association was found between awareness of CVD and gender (p = 0.138).

Conclusion

Color vision deficiency was present among undergraduate dental students, with a higher prevalence in males. A measurable gap in awareness was also identified. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating routine screening and awareness programs within dental education to enable early identification and to support students in adapting to potential clinical challenges in practice.