In a relaxed eye, where is the focal point for hyperopia relative to the retina?

In a relaxed eye, where is the focal point for hyperopia relative to the retina?

• A. In front of retina.
• B. Behind retina.
• C. On retina.
• D. At the lens.

Answer: (B)

Hyperopia means the eye’s optical power is not enough for its length, so with the eye at rest the light that should converge to a point ends up behind the retina. That behind-retina focal point explains pourquoi distant objects aren’t focused unless the eye increases its refractive power through accommodation. By contracting the ciliary muscles and increasing lens curvature, the eye pushes the focal point forward onto the retina for a clear image. If the focal point were in front of the retina, that would be myopia; on the retina would be normal focus; and saying the focal point is “at the lens” doesn’t describe where the image would form relative to the retina.

Hyperopia means the eye’s optical power is not enough for its length, so with the eye at rest the light that should converge to a point ends up behind the retina. That behind-retina focal point explains pourquoi distant objects aren’t focused unless the eye increases its refractive power through accommodation. By contracting the ciliary muscles and increasing lens curvature, the eye pushes the focal point forward onto the retina for a clear image. If the focal point were in front of the retina, that would be myopia; on the retina would be normal focus; and saying the focal point is “at the lens” doesn’t describe where the image would form relative to the retina.