A Global Perspective of Color Vision Deficiency: Awareness, Diagnosis, and Lived Experiences

Color vision deficiency (CVD), commonly referred to as color blindness, affects a significant portion of the global population, particularly among males. This narrative review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed articles and published large-scale epidemiological studies identified through database searches using terms such as "color vision deficiency," "color blindness," "awareness," and "diagnosis." Studies were included if they addressed prevalence, awareness, diagnosis, or lived experiences of individuals with CVD. The prevalence of CVD varies by population, with red-green CVD affecting up to 8% of males and 0.5% of females of Northern European descent and lower rates reported in Asian and African populations. Although CVD is congenital in most cases, diagnosis is often delayed until school age or later due to limited routine screening, with many individuals remaining unaware of their condition until adolescence or adulthood. This delay can result in significant educational, occupational, and psychosocial challenges. This review synthesizes the current literature on the prevalence of CVD, levels of awareness, the age and process of diagnosis, and the lived experiences of individuals affected by this condition. Recommendations are provided for early detection, educational adaptations, and societal support.