In this study, we have investigated the correlation of far-field detection sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors with optical signatures associated with the near-field overlap of biomolecules. The results confirm a direct relation between the far-field and near-field parameters, particularly for optical signatures defined in terms of lateral electric field components that are tangential to the interface and thus continuous across the interface. The overall correlation between near-field optical signatures and far-field resonance shift exceeded 97%. The results can be highly useful to evaluate detection sensitivity of SPR biosensors that take advantage of complex structures for localization of surface waves.