The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the American and European population is estimated to be extremely high. Although fewer people today su er from serious health problems related to calcium and phosphate metabolism resulting from vitamin D deficiency, there are more and more studies suggesting that calcitriol may play an important role in the pathogenesis of other diseases in virtually every body system. A growing body of research shows that through its ubiquitously expressed receptor, calcitriol displays potent anti-angiogenic an anti-inflammatory activity. This review summarizes recent discoveries regarding these non-classical effects of vitamin D and their clinical implications. Data collection focused on the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases as well as on the underlying mechanisms.