How do corrective lenses work to improve vision?

Corrective lenses improve vision by altering the path of incoming light so that it properly focuses on the retina at the back of the eye. Each type of lens—convex or concave—is designed to compensate for specific vision issues. For instance, convex lenses are used for hyperopia (farsightedness) by converging light rays to ensure they focus correctly on the retina. On the other hand, concave lenses, used for myopia (nearsightedness), diverge the light rays so that they also focus directly on the retina.

This manipulation of light paths is essential for correcting refractive errors, allowing the eyes to see clearly. The lenses are shaped in such a way that they change the direction of incoming light, thus adjusting its focal point on the retina to provide clearer vision.

Other options do not accurately describe how corrective lenses function. Reflecting light away does not facilitate improved vision, as it would not help focus light on the retina. Magnifying only a certain area is not the purpose of corrective lenses, which aim to provide overall vision correction rather than zooming in on a particular section. Creating a second image for better focus is not how lenses work; they adjust the path of light to create a single clear image on the