Measuring Pupillary Distance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to measure your pupillary distance in order to get the best fit for your eyeglasses. What is pupillary distance (PD)? It’s the distance (measured in millimeters) between the centers of each of your pupils. This number lets the lens maker know where to put the optical center on each lens for the best vision possible. Pupillary distance on prescriptions can be found under the initials PD.

You can measure your pupil distance yourself using a ruler, or you can make an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center and have one of our eye doctors update your prescription to include your PD measurement.

How to Measure PD

Measuring your PD for glasses is easy, just follow these steps:

• Grab a ruler and stand about eight inches away from a mirror.
• Look straight into the mirror and place the ruler over the bridge of your nose.
• Start with the right eye and line up the beginning of the ruler at your pupil. Then, measure the distance from your right to left pupil.
• The number (measured in millimeters) that ends at your left pupil is your PD measurement.
• Repeat the steps to ensure the number is accurate.

Other Measurements for Glasses

Aside from your pupil distance, you’ll want to consider a few other eye measurements for your glasses to get the best fit, including your frames lens width, bridge width, and temple (arm) length. If you’ve ever looked at the arms inside a pair of glasses, you’ve probably wondered “what are the numbers on my glasses?”

Typically, you’ll see three numbers in this order:

• First two digits are the lens width
• Second pair of digits are the bridge width
• Last pair of digits is the length of the frame arms

The best way to find your perfect fit is to find a pair of glasses or sunglasses that already fit you well and look for these measurements. Our eyecare professionals can also help you find the best fit for your face shape during your visit.

If you need to update your prescription or get fitted for a new pair of eyeglasses, make an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center.