Near, Intermediate, and Distance: Our vision can be thought of in three ranges – near (about 12–16 inches, for reading or sewing), intermediate (around 2–3 feet, for computer use or cooking), and distance (beyond 6 feet, for driving or watching TV). A healthy eye adjusts focus to see clearly at all these ranges, but as we age (or with certain lenses), trade-offs occur. For example, a standard cataract lens might be optimized for distance vision, meaning you see road signs sharply but may need reading glasses for the near range. It’s similar to camera settings: one setting might capture far scenes in sharp focus but struggle up close, whereas another setting is tuned for close detail. Understanding these ranges helps you prioritize what matters most in your daily life when choosing a lens.