Distortion (optics)

Distortion in optics means that things can look different from their true shape. Imagine looking at a picture of a circle, but it looks like an oval. That's distortion!

So, why does distortion happen? When light hits a curved surface or passes through a lens, it can change direction. If this change in direction is not the same for all light rays, distortion can occur.

Think of a magnifying glass as an example. When you look through it, objects may appear bigger, but they can also look warped or bent. The glass is bending the light in different ways, creating distortion.

Sometimes distortion is intentional, like in a funhouse mirror. Other times, we try to avoid it, like in cameras or telescopes. Lens and camera manufacturers use complex formulas to try and minimize distortion as much as possible so that you can see the world as accurately and realistically as possible.