A lens is a transmissive optical device which focuses or disperses a light beam by means of refraction. A simple lens consists of a single piece of transparent material, while a compound lens consists of several simple lenses (elements), usually arranged along a common axis. Lenses are made from materials such as glass or plastic, and are ground and polished or molded to the required shape. A lens can focus light to form an image, unlike a prism, which refracts light without focusing. Devices that similarly focus or disperse waves and radiation other than visible light are also called lenses, such as microwave lenses, electron lenses, acoustic lenses, or explosive lenses.

Lenses are used in various imaging devices like telescopes, binoculars and cameras. They are also used as visual aids in glasses to correct defects of vision such as myopia and hypermetropia.

What are the 3 types of eye lenses?

Single vision lenses—made for one, consistent focal power to correct a single vision condition. Progressive lenses—correct more than one vision condition, with the focal power “progressing” from top to bottom without a visible line separating them. Concave lenses—used to treat near-sightedness, or myopia.

What are the types of lenses?

The two main types of lenses are:

• Convex Lens (Converging)
• Concave Lens (Diverging)

Are lenses harmful for eyes?

Wearing contact lenses puts you at risk of several serious conditions including eye infections and corneal ulcers. These conditions can develop very quickly and can be very serious. In rare cases, these conditions can cause blindness.