How to Measure Your PD
Accurate Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement is essential for ensuring that your lenses are perfectly aligned with your eyes. A precise PD helps provide clear, distortion-free vision and reduces eye strain. While an optician can measure PD with the highest accuracy, you can also measure it yourself using simple tools.
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What is PD and Why Does It Matter?
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PD (Pupillary Distance) is the distance between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters (mm).
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This measurement ensures that the optical center of your lenses aligns properly with your eyes, preventing distortion and maximizing visual clarity.
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For single-vision lenses, accurate PD placement enhances focus and sharpness.
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For progressive or multifocal lenses, precise PD measurement is even more critical, ensuring smooth transitions between near, intermediate, and distance vision.
1. Measuring PD with a Credit Card or Ruler
What You Need:
✅ A credit card (or a millimeter ruler)
✅ A mirror or smartphone camera
✅ Bright lighting
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Stand about 30 cm (12 inches) away from a mirror and look straight ahead.
2️⃣ Hold a credit card or ruler horizontally under your eyes, close to your face.
Align the credit card’s longer edge (approximately 85mm) just below your pupils.
If using a ruler, ensure it measures in millimeters (mm).
3️⃣ Measure the distance from the center of your left pupil to the center of your right pupil.
4️⃣ Repeat the process 2-3 times and take the average for greater accuracy.
📌 The typical PD range for adults is between 55mm and 70mm.
2. Measuring PD with the Help of a Friend or Family Member
Having someone assist you can improve accuracy.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Have your helper hold a ruler close to your eyes while you look straight ahead.
2️⃣ Measure from the center of one pupil to the center of the other (in mm).
3️⃣ If measuring near PD (for reading glasses), focus on an object at reading distance (~40 cm).
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Near PD is typically 2mm smaller than distance PD.
3. Using a Smartphone App for PD Measurement
Several apps can accurately measure PD using your smartphone camera.
✅ Recommended Apps:
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GlassesOn by 6over6 (Available for Android & iOS)
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EyeMeasure (iOS Only)
These apps use facial recognition technology to estimate PD, providing a quick and convenient alternative to manual measurement.
Need Help with PD Measurement?
Ensuring accurate PD helps create customized lenses that deliver maximum comfort and sharp vision. If you need assistance, we're here to guide you through the process!