What aspect of lenses does the "index of refraction" specifically affect?

The index of refraction is a critical property of materials that measures how much light slows down and bends when it enters the material. When light travels through different media, it changes speed at the interface, which causes it to bend, or refract. The index of refraction quantifies this effect, and thus determines how effectively a lens can bend light.

In optical terms, the higher the index of refraction, the more the light will bend as it passes through the lens. This property influences the design and effectiveness of lenses in correcting vision, as glasses with a higher index of refraction can be made thinner and lighter while still providing the necessary optical power. Therefore, the index of refraction directly affects the light bending capabilities of the lens.

Other factors mentioned, such as weight, color uniformity, and lens curvature, are influenced by the material and design choices but do not directly relate to how light interacts with the lens in terms of bending.