Which type of lens is typically used to correct hyperopia?

Convex lenses are used to correct hyperopia, also known as farsightedness. In hyperopia, distant objects may be seen clearly, but close objects can appear blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea has insufficient curvature, leading to light rays being focused behind the retina.

Convex lenses, which are thicker in the center than at the edges, help to converge light rays before they enter the eye. This effectively increases the eye's focusing power, moving the focal point forward onto the retina, which allows individuals with hyperopia to see nearby objects more clearly.

In contrast, other types of lenses serve different functions. Concave lenses, for example, diverge light and are typically used to correct myopia (nearsightedness). Cylindrical lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, while bifocal lenses combine both convex and concave lenses to assist those who need correction for both hyperopia and myopia, often used in presbyopia. However, for pure hyperopia correction, convex lenses are the proper choice.