What type of lens is used to correct hyperopia?

A convex lens is used to correct hyperopia, also known as farsightedness. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. Convex lenses are thicker at the center than at the edges and converge light rays before they enter the eye, effectively bringing the point of focus forward onto the retina. By providing additional refractive power, convex lenses help individuals with hyperopia see nearby objects more clearly, thereby correcting their vision.

In contrast, concave lenses are used for myopia (nearsightedness), cylindrical lenses are designed for astigmatism, and plano lenses have no curvature and are used when no lens power is needed. Thus, understanding the nature of hyperopia and how convex lenses function is crucial for effective vision correction.