What process allows the focus of the eye to change for sharp images of near or distant objects?

The process that allows the focus of the eye to change for sharp images of near or distant objects is known as accommodation. This involves the eye's lens changing its shape to adjust for the distance of the object being viewed. When focusing on nearby objects, the ciliary muscles contract, causing the lens to become thicker and more curved, increasing its refractive power. Conversely, when viewing distant objects, the ciliary muscles relax, the lens flattens, and this decreases its refractive power, allowing light rays coming from far away to focus on the retina correctly. Thus, accommodation is essential for maintaining clear vision at varying distances, serving a crucial role in visual perception.