OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

How can long sightedness be corrected?

1. Using concave lenses

2. With medications that strengthen the lens

3. Using convex lenses

4. Through surgical intervention only

The correct answer is: Using convex lenses

Long sightedness, or hyperopia, occurs when the eyeball is too short relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, causing distant objects to be seen more clearly than nearby ones. The correct method to correct this condition is by using convex lenses. Convex lenses are thicker in the middle than at the edges, and they help to converge light rays before they enter the eye. This adjusts the focal point of the image, allowing it to fall directly on the retina rather than behind it, which is what happens with long sightedness. This adjustment enables clearer vision for nearby objects. The other options, such as using concave lenses, focus light outward and are designed for correcting short sightedness (myopia). Medications typically do not provide a structural solution for long sightedness in the manner needed, and while surgical interventions may be an option for some individuals, they are not the only method available for correction—especially for those who prefer or require non-invasive solutions like glasses or contact lenses.