Most optometrists will measure your pupillary distance (PD) during an exam, but some may omit the information from your prescription. Don’t worry, there are a few ways to measure your PD on your own, including using your bathroom mirror and a ruler.
Avoid an additional appointment with the eye doctor using these steps to ascertain your pupillary distance. Just remember that the measurements will need to be in millimeters, so find a ruler with the appropriate markings.
If you don't feel confident doing this process on your own, grab a friend or family member. They simply need to hold the ruler in place and start at step three. From there, they can take the measurement for you.
To measure your PD if you already wear glasses:
Pupillary distance is the measurement between your pupils, from the center of your left pupil to the center of your right pupil. Often abbreviated as PD in eyeglass prescriptions, the pupillary distance ensures that glasses fit properly.
Pupil distance can be expressed in two ways: Binocular and Monocular PD. Binocular PD (or single PD) is a single number representing the total distance between your pupils. Monocular PD (or dual PD) is a two-number measurement showing the distance from the bridge of your nose to your pupil on each side. FramesDirect.com can use either of these measurements to custom-make your prescription lenses.
Optometrists take PD using specialized equipment, but you can take it at home with a mirror and a ruler. Or, use our expert opticians to find your pupillary distance using our state-of-the-art PD Capture technology and a headshot.
Follow our step-by-step instructions to send us a photo so we can take your PD measurement.
PD Capture is unavailable in Illinois, Texas, and Washington due to state restrictions. Customers in these states must obtain their PD from their optometrist or can measure their PD with this document.
After you've placed your order for prescription eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses on FramesDirect.com, note your order number.
Make sure nothing is blocking your eyes: Remove your eyeglasses, pull your hair back, etc.
Place a CD or DVD under your chin, holding it straight up and down, with the label side facing the camera (as shown in the photo).
Take a photo looking straight ahead at the camera. Your photo should include a FULL view of your head and the CD/DVD.
Send photo to prescription@framesdirect.com.IMPORTANT: Include your order number in the subject line.
FramesDirect.com can measure a patient’s PD from a photograph. Using proprietary facial recognition and imaging technologies, the system automatically recognizes known objects and reflections from the cornea, called Purkinje images.
If no Purkinje image is available, the system is able to recognize the borders of the iris to achieve the same stunning level of accuracy.
The average PD for most adults is 60-70 millimeters. However, as with all facial features, pupillary distance can differ greatly from person to person. Kids tend to be in the 43-58mm range for pupillary distance.
Yes! In fact, your PD is important for any kind of Rx eyewear, including prescription sunglasses. Make sure to have your pupillary distance measurement on hand when ordering a new pair of Rx-ready shades.
Eyeglass lenses have an optical center. This is the part of the lens your eyes look through for your best vision. An accurate measurement of pupillary distance helps make sure your lenses line up with your pupils so your glasses are comfortable and provide the clear vision you need.
Knowing your PD can also help you choose frames. Frames impact the PD because of the optical center of the lens. The larger the frames you choose, the bigger the lenses will be. You want to make sure your PD measurement is accurate so the optical center of the lens is in the right place in any size frames. If the PD is wrong, you could experience blurred vision, headaches, double vision, nausea, or fatigue.
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