Type-size variability for near-point acuity tests

We measured the sizes of the test forms (letters, digits, and symbols) on 19 different near-point acuity cards. The results are all expressed in the M notation (1 mm of letter height equals 0.7 M) and are tabled according to the acuity specification system used by the manufacturers--such as, the point-type system, Jaeger notation, equivalent 20-ft Snellen notation, and so on. Our results demonstrate that manufacturer's specifications on near-point acuity cards cannot be used to determine the sizes of test letters. The M system has sufficient advantages over other systems to warrant its universal use for specifying near-point visual acuity.