Optical components are essential parts used in devices that manipulate light. These components include items like lenses, mirrors, prisms, and filters, which help focus, reflect, or change the color of light. They are commonly found in everyday items such as cameras, microscopes, and glasses. These components work together to create clear images or direct light in specific ways. For example, a lens can bend light to focus it on a sensor in a camera, while a mirror can reflect light to create an image in a telescope. Understanding these components is crucial for various applications in science and technology.