[Research progress in relationship between vitamin D and myopia and its mechanisms].

Abstract

Myopia has become an important global public health problem, especially in East Asia. Due to its high prevalence and multiple ocular complications, it is imperative to take effective measures against the development of myopia. Recent studies have shown that outdoor activity is one of the protective factors for myopia and sunlight can delay the progression of myopia. As a possible mediator between sunlight and myopia, vitamin D gradually comes into public view. Vitamin D refers to a kind of secosteroids responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism. In addition to this main function, it is also correlated with many eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma etc. This review summarizes relevant epidemiologic and genetic studies as well as possible biological mechanisms to provide theoretical reference for the plausible application of vitamin D in the prevention and therapy of myopia. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 470-476).