Optical limits refer to the maximum resolution and clarity that can be achieved in optical systems, such as cameras and microscopes. These limits are influenced by factors like the wavelength of light and the quality of the optical components. The Rayleigh criterion is often used to define the minimum distance between two points that can be distinguished as separate. In practical terms, optical limits determine how well we can see fine details in images. For example, in photography, a lens with better optical quality can capture sharper images, while in microscopy, achieving higher resolution allows scientists to observe smaller structures in biological samples.