Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca(2+) (Ca(v)) channels play pivotal roles in regulating gene transcription, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release. To meet the spatial and temporal demands of visual signaling, Ca(v) channels exhibit unusual properties in the retina compared to their counterparts in other areas of the nervous system. In this article, we review current concepts regarding the specific subtypes of Ca(v) channels expressed in the retina, their intrinsic properties and forms of modulation, and how their dysregulation could lead to retinal disease.