Near Visual Acuity

A measure of the eye's ability to resolve fine detail at a close distance, typically tested at 40 centimetres. Near visual acuity is particularly important for tasks involving reading, handheld device use, and close-up work. It is commonly measured using Snellen notation (e.g., 20/20) at near distance and can differ significantly from distance visual acuity, especially in conditions like Age-related Macular Degeneration where central vision loss affects both near and far tasks differently. In accessibility and HCI research, near visual acuity is a key predictor of how effectively a person can interact with small-screen devices, read text, and identify icons.