What does changing the curvature of one side of a lens accomplish?

Changing the curvature of one side of a lens directly affects its optical characteristics, particularly the focal length and optical power. The curvature of a lens determines how light is refracted as it passes through, which in turn influences the lens's ability to converge or diverge rays of light.

When the curvature of a lens is increased, for example, it becomes more concave or convex, which alters the focal point where light converges or appears to diverge. This results in a change in the lens's optical power, measured in diopters, which is a critical factor in determining the correct prescription for vision correction. Therefore, modifying the curvature on one side is a fundamental way to tailor lenses to meet specific visual needs, making this adjustment essential in optical practice.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not address the primary purpose and effect of altering lens curvature as directly as changing optical power does.