What is the primary function of an optical lens?

The primary function of an optical lens is to focus light rays to form an image. Lenses achieve this by bending (refracting) incoming light rays so that they converge or diverge in a specific manner, allowing for the formation of clear images. This principle is fundamental in optics, and it underpins the functionality of various optical devices, including eyeglasses, cameras, and microscopes.

When light passes through a lens, its curvature and material composition determine how the lens alters the path of the light. This focusing ability is crucial for creating images that are sharp and clear at various distances. For instance, in the case of corrective lenses, this function is leveraged to address vision issues by precisely focusing light onto the retina, improving visual clarity for the wearer.

While enhancing color perception, magnifying distant objects, and blocking harmful rays may have their own importance in optical applications, they do not capture the fundamental role of a lens, which revolves entirely around its capacity to manipulate light to generate images effectively.