Optical distortion refers to the alteration of an image as it passes through a lens or other optical system. This phenomenon can cause straight lines to appear curved or objects to look larger or smaller than they actually are. Common types of optical distortion include barrel distortion, where images bulge outward, and pincushion distortion, where images pinch inward. Optical distortion can occur in various devices, such as cameras, binoculars, and glasses. It is important to understand this effect, especially in photography and imaging, as it can impact the accuracy and quality of visual representations. Correcting optical distortion often involves using specialized software or lens designs.