A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON COLOUR VISION DEFICIENCY (CVD): CAUSES, CLASSIFICATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Colour vision deficiency (CVD), also known as colour blindness, is a visual impairment manifesting as decreased or absent ability to distinguish between colours. It mostly occurs in males since it is an X-linked recessive condition with different prevalence levels among various ethnic groups. CVD is generally divided into three main forms: protanopia (deficiency of red), deuteranopia (deficiency of green), and tritanopia (deficiency of blue), each resulting in different changes in colour perception. The disorder occurs due to photopigment abnormalities in the cone cells of the retina, which sense colours. While CVD is generally non-progressive and controllable, it may affect daily functioning and vocational potential, necessitating the use of compensatory strategies and adaptive aids like colour-corrective lenses and apps. Technological advances in genetics and biomedical technologies hold promising leadouts for future treatments, possibly allowing for the improvement of colour vision in afflicted individuals. This summary provides an expansive overview of the etiology, categorization, incidence, consequences, and up-to-date management of CVD and touches on ongoing scientific research towards new treatments. In addition, cultural attitudes toward colour symbolism, e.g., linking "blue" to depression or black clothing to bereavement, demonstrate the social importance of colour interpretation throughout languages and cultures.

Keywords: Colour vision deficiency, colour blindness, protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, cone photopigments, X-linked inheritance, genetic research, colour-corrective aids, cultural colour symbolism