What is the study of light called?

Optics is the study of light. Optics, a segment of physics, evaluates and analyzes the properties and behaviors of light. Polarization, diffraction and interference are studied in optics. Reflection and refraction of light using mirrors, optical fibers and lenses are studied as well.

The study of light began with the creation of an early lens by the ancient Egyptians. This led to studies of vision with respect to light and the creation of eyeglasses.

Optics is divided into geometric and physical optics. Geometric optics studies light moving in a straight line, and physical optics studies light as an electromagnetic wave.