What is the primary function of the lens in the eye?

The primary function of the lens in the eye is to focus light onto the retina. The lens is a transparent, flexible structure that adjusts its shape to change the focal length, allowing us to see objects clearly at various distances. When light rays enter the eye, they pass through the cornea and then the lens, where the lens bends and refracts the light to ensure that it converges accurately onto the retina at the back of the eye. This precise focusing is essential for clear vision, as the retina transmits visual information to the brain for processing.

While some of the other functions mentioned may be relevant to different components of the eye, they do not describe the lens's primary role. For example, the regulation of light entry is mainly a function of the pupil, which adjusts in size to control how much light enters the eye. Providing structure is associated with the sclera and cornea, which protect and maintain the shape of the eye. Protection of the inner eye is more about the function of the cornea and eyelids than the lens itself.