MPO and keratitis: Finally, vitamin C exerts antioxidant and protective effects on the inflammatory response of the eye by scavenging reactive oxygen radicals and metabolites, such as myeloperoxidase, that are released by infiltrating inflammatory cells.34–36 Because vitamin C neutralizes oxygen-free radicals, it is expected to inhibit damage to neighboring epithelial and stromal tissues around a wound.37 Thus, vitamin C has a protective effect on both layers of the cornea and a preventive effect on the formation of corneal haze after infectious keratitis.