Abstract: Syndecan-4 is a kind of proteoglycan widely expressed on the surface of the cell membrane. It can not only serve as a "co-receptor" in the signal transduction pathway of many growth factors, but also act as a bridge of the cytoskeletal protein and extracellular matrix, and participate in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. It recently becomes a research hotspot in tumor, cardiovascular system and various other fields. In the field of ophthalmology, syndecan-4 is related to the formation of choroidal neovascularization, the reconstruction of the trabecular cytoskeletal protein and wound healing reaction. This article reviewed molecular structure, function, and research prospect of syndecan-4 in ophthalmology. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2013, 37: 30-35)