What Is a PD?

Your PD is the distance of your right pupil to your left pupil and is measured in millimeters (mm). This measurement is needed when ordering your eyeglasses. Lenses have optical centers and each lens needs to be centered directly in front of your pupil. This ensures better vision. The numbers range from 75mm or so for large adults, down to 46mm or so for toddlers. Distance PDs are larger than Near Vision PDs by approximately 2-4 mm.

How Do I Get My PD Measurement?

You may ask your Optometrist, Ophthalmologist or Refracting Physician for this measurement although they are not required by law to do so. After you receive your PD from the optician, you may notice there are two different values. If you have the numbers ‘65/60’ for example, the first PD is usually for distance vision and the second number is for near vision or reading. While obtaining your PD from your eyecare professional is recommended, if you are unable to acquire it you may measure it easily in the comfort of your own home.

Measuring Your PD

There are two ways to measure your papillary distance. One way is to measure it by yourself, and the other requires a partner.

Mirror Technique

• Stand directly in front of a mirror with your head level. Place a mm ruler on the top of your nose and level it horizontally. Measure from one pupil to the other, recheck right to left and then left to right to ensure accuracy.
• Stand directly in front of a mirror wearing a pair of eyeglasses with lenses. Using a permanent marker, dot directly in front of each pupil. Remove the eyewear, measure from one dot to the other with a mm ruler. Use denatured alcohol to remove the dot. Do not use acetone, polish remover or gun cleaner as these solvents may harm the lenses or frame.

Partner Technique

• Stand directly in front of your partner (preferably sitting across from him/her at eye level). Allow your partner to place the mm ruler on the top of your nose and level it horizontally. Measure from one pupil to the other, recheck right to left and then left to right to ensure accuracy. The measurement from your right eye is taken as you look into the left eye of the partner. The measurement from your left eye is taken as you look into the right eye of the partner.
• Stand directly in front of your partner wearing a pair of eyeglasses with lenses. (Preferably sitting across from him/her at eye level). Allow your partner to dot each lens with a permanent marker. The measurement from your right eye is taken as you look into the left eye of the partner. The measurement from your left eye is taken as you look into the right eye of the partner. Remove the eyewear, measure from one dot to the other with a mm ruler. Use denatured alcohol to remove the dot. Do not use acetone, polish remover or gun cleaner as these solvents may harm the lenses or frame.