The potential of ascorbic acid acting against the toxic effects of active oxygen species on the lens has been studied. The active species of oxygen were generated by the action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine. Rat lenses incubated in medium containing xanthine and xanthine oxidase were physiologically damaged, as evidenced by the decrease in the ability of the tissue to accumulate rubidium or alpha-aminoisobutyric acid against a concentration gradient. The pressure of ascorbate in the medium protected against the tissue damage. One of the functions of high ascorbate in the aqueous humor of many primates including human beings may, therefore, be to protect the lens and other surrounding tissues against the toxic effects of active oxygen derivatives produced in situ under ambient, as well as under photochemical, conditions.