PD Measurement Guide
Your Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils. It's essential for centering your prescription lenses correctly.
What is Pupillary Distance?
Pupillary Distance (PD) is measured in millimeters and tells us where to position the optical center of each lens. An accurate PD ensures you're looking through the right part of the lens for optimal clarity and comfort.
Most adults have a PD between 54-74mm. The average is around 63mm.
Option 1: Ask Your Eye Doctor
The easiest and most accurate way to get your PD is to ask your eye doctor or optician. They can measure it precisely during your eye exam.
Tip: PD isn't always included on prescriptions. If it's not on yours, call your eye care provider and ask them to add it or provide it separately.
Option 2: Measure at Home
You can measure your PD at home with a millimeter ruler and a mirror. It's easier with a friend, but you can do it yourself.
With a Friend (Recommended)
- 1Stand about arm's length away from your friend, facing them.
- 2Look straight ahead at something in the distance (not at your friend) to keep your eyes relaxed.
- 3Have your friend hold the ruler against your brow and measure from the center of one pupil to the center of the other.
- 4Repeat 2-3 times and take the average for accuracy.
By Yourself
- 1Stand about 8 inches from a mirror in good lighting.
- 2Hold a millimeter ruler against your brow, just above your eyes.
- 3Close your right eye and align the 0mm mark with the center of your left pupil.
- 4Without moving the ruler, close your left eye and open your right. Read the measurement at the center of your right pupil.
- 5Repeat 2-3 times to confirm your measurement.
Tips for Accuracy
- •Good lighting: Make sure you can clearly see your pupils.
- •Stay still: Keep your head steady during measurement.
- •Look straight: Focus on a distant object to keep your eyes in a natural position.
- •Measure multiple times: Take 3 measurements and use the average.
- •When in doubt: Ask your eye care provider for a professional measurement.
Single PD vs. Dual PD
Single PD: One number measuring the total distance between pupils (e.g., 63mm). This is what we use and what most people measure.
Dual PD: Two numbers measuring each eye from the center of the nose (e.g., 31/32). This is more precise but usually only needed for progressive lenses.
If you have a dual PD, you can add the two numbers together to get your single PD.
Ready to submit your prescription?
Once you have your PD, you're ready to order or submit your prescription.