Final answer:
The bending of light that enables eyeglass lenses to focus images is known as refraction, which occurs when light moves between materials with different densities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon of refraction is pivotal in the functionality of eyeglass lenses. When light transitions from air to the lens material (typically glass or plastic) with a distinct optical density, its speed changes, causing the light waves to bend. This bending effect is harnessed to correct vision problems by redirecting incoming light rays. Concave and convex lenses are engineered based on refraction principles to either diverge or converge light, addressing issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. The design intricacies of eyeglass lenses leverage refraction to precisely alter the path of light, facilitating optimal focusing on the retina. By understanding and manipulating refraction, opticians can craft lenses that provide individuals with clearer and sharper vision, underscoring the crucial role of this optical phenomenon in the field of corrective lenses and vision correction.