What type of lens is generally used to correct hyperopia?

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a condition where distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby ones. This occurs because the shape of the eyeball is too short or the cornea has insufficient curvature, causing light rays to focus behind the retina.

To correct hyperopia, a convex lens is used. Convex lenses are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, which helps to converge light rays before they enter the eye. This convergence shifts the focal point of the light rays forward, allowing them to focus directly on the retina instead of behind it. This correction enables individuals with hyperopia to see nearby objects more clearly.

The other types of lenses, such as concave lenses, are used for myopia (nearsightedness) to spread out light rays, while flat lenses do not alter the path of light. Cylindrical lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a different refractive issue. Thus, the use of a convex lens is the appropriate method for correcting hyperopia.