What does a prism do to light?

A prism primarily serves to bend light, which is particularly relevant in the context of vision correction. When light passes through a prism, it is refracted, meaning it changes direction based on the angle at which it enters and exits the prism. This bending effect can be utilized in lenses to realign light entering the eye, thereby assisting individuals with certain vision problems such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or other alignment issues.

By manipulating how light is directed, prisms can help focus images correctly on the retina, improving visual clarity. This bending property is essential for opticians to create lenses that are tailored to the specific needs of their patients.

While prisms can also disperse light into a spectrum and can influence colors and intensity, the primary and most relevant function in the context of vision correction is the bending of light. Magnifying or filtering colors does not directly relate to the primary function of prisms in optical applications concerning vision correction.