What is pupillary distance (PD)?

The Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance (measured in mm) between the pupils of your eyes (the centres of your eyes). It is sometimes also known as the Distance PD.

An accurate (PD) measurement is required in order to make prescription glasses and is an essential part of your prescription.

For adults, the PD never changes and is, on average, 63mm for men and 60 mm for women. Most adult PD's are in the the range 55-65.

The PD may also be shown as two numbers (Dual PD) such as 31.5/32 where 31.5 is the Right PD and 32 is the Left PD – where, for example the Right PD is the distance between the centre of the pupil in the Right eye and the centre of the bridge of the nose.

If your prescription has a single number for PD (in the range 50-70) then you can enter it directly.

If your PD isn't present on your prescription then you can measure it yourself, although we recommend that we contact your optician and ask them for the PD that they measured when you had your eye exam.

The Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance (measured in mm) between the pupils of your eyes (the centers of your eyes). It is sometimes also known as the Distance PD.

An accurate (PD) measurement is required in order to make Prescription Glasses and is an essential part of your prescription, particularly for stronger corrective lenses.

Your PD may be included as part of your prescription. In which case you can enter it as part of our Order process – see What is Pupillary Distance for details.

You can ask your Optician for your PD if they do not include it on your prescription, although there may be an additional charge for this service.

We strongly recommend that you have an Optician measure your PD professionally, particularly for stronger prescription but it is possible to measure it yourself, by following the steps below. You will need a light room, a mirror and a ruler with millimeter (mm) measurements.

1.  Hold a mm ruler up to the bridge of your nose in front of a mirror so you can read the markings on the ruler, or have a friend help you.
2.  Line the 0mm mark on the ruler with the center of your right pupil
3.  Without moving the ruler, note the distance on the ruler that corresponds to the center of your left pupil.
4.  This is your PD – eg 63mm.
5.  Repeat the process two or three times until you are confident you have an accurate reading.
6.  Make a note of your PD and enter it as part of the Order process in the Send us your Prescription request that we will send you when you require your prescription.