Calcitriol inhibits apoptosis via activation of autophagy in hyperosmotic stress stimulated corneal epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro

•Autophagy is highly activated in dry eye model in vivo and in vitro.•Autophagy plays a protective role in corneal epithelial cells against dry eye related apoptosis.•Autophagy flux augmented by calcitriol further protects cornea epithelial cells from apoptosis.•Vitamin D Receptor pathway correlates to the therapeutic effect of calcitriol.