In embodiments of translucent object presence and condition detection based on detected light intensity, a light is emitted and directed at a first edge of a translucent object along its thickness to pass through the translucent object, such as a lens. An intensity of the light is detected proximate an opposing, second edge of the translucent object. A presence and/or a condition of the translucent object can then be determined based on the detected intensity of the light that passes through the translucent object, where the detected intensity of the light that passes through the translucent object is relative and indicates one of: the presence of the translucent object based on a lower intensity of the light, or the translucent object is not present based on a higher intensity of the light.