What is the primary purpose of using lens coatings?

Lens coatings serve several important functions, but their primary purpose is to improve light transmission and reduce glare. Coatings are applied to lenses to minimize reflections, which increases the amount of light that passes through the lens instead of being reflected away. This enhancement in light transmission is crucial for achieving clearer and brighter images.

Moreover, reducing glare is essential in improving visual comfort, especially in bright environments. Coatings such as anti-reflective (AR) coatings help to mitigate unwanted reflections that can impede vision and cause distractions, particularly when looking at bright lights or under direct sunlight. This results in a more comfortable and effective visual experience.

The other options, while they might represent certain aspects related to lens materials or usage, do not capture the primary function of lens coatings as effectively as the correct choice does. Enhancing color, for example, may be a secondary effect or goal in some contexts, but it does not reflect the fundamental reason coatings are widely used in optics. Similarly, increasing the size or reducing distortion are not directly tied to the role of lenses coatings.