How to Measure and Understand Pupillary Distance (PD)

To ensure your custom lenses align perfectly with your eyes, our laboratory requires a measurement known as Pupillary Distance (PD).

What is Pupillary Distance (PD) and why is it important?

Pupillary Distance is the exact distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils.

When our optical laboratory cuts your lenses to fit your chosen frame, they use your PD to position the "optical center" (the clearest part of the lens) right in front of your pupils. If your PD measurement is incorrect or missing, you may experience eye strain, headaches, or slight visual distortion when wearing your new glasses.

Single PD vs. Dual PD: How do I enter them on the website?

When checking out, click Choose Lenses on your favorite frame and answer the prompt, "What do you use your glasses for?". Once you select Fill it out online, look for the PD section at the bottom of the form. Here is how to input your values:

• Single PD (Binocular PD): This is a single number representing the total distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other (e.g., 62).

  👉 How to enter it: Just tap or click the menu next to PD and pick your number.

• Dual PD (Monocular PD): This consists of two separate numbers representing the distance from the bridge of your nose to each individual eye (e.g., 31.5/32.5). The right eye is always listed first.
  
  👉 How to enter it: Check the box right below it that says "I have 2 PD numbers". Two new boxes will pop up so you can easily pick a number for your right eye and your left eye.

Our website checkout can easily accept either format! If you have a Dual PD, simply toggle the option on your screen during the checkout lens configuration to enter both numbers.

What if I don't know my PD or leave it blank?

If you don't know your PD and are unable to measure it, you can still confidently place your order!

• Our Default Policy: When you open the form, you will notice the PD dropdown menu is automatically pre-set to 62. If you do not change this value, our laboratory will manufacture your glasses using this default.

• Why this works: 62mm is the standard global average for adults. It works perfectly and comfortably for the vast majority of adult wearers.

What are the standard average numbers for adults and kids?

If you want to double-check your numbers to ensure they look right before completing your order, use these standard baselines:

Adult PD Averages

• Adult Single PD: Typically ranges between 57mm and 68mm (with 62mm being our pre-set adult default).

• Adult Dual PD: Typically looks like 31mm/31mm or 32mm/32mm.

Children's PD Averages

• Kids' PD Range: Typically ranges between 43mm and 58mm because children have smaller faces.

• ⚠️ Important Rule for Kids' Glasses: Because their faces are smaller, never use our adult default of 62mm for a child's order. Children require an accurate, specific measurement to ensure their eyes align safely with the center of the lenses.

What is 'Near PD' (NPD) and do I need it?

Near PD is a specific measurement used only if you are ordering progressive lenses or lined bifocals. Your pupils naturally turn slightly inward toward your nose when you look down at a close-up object like a book or a phone.

If your doctor did not write a separate Near PD on your paperwork, don't worry at all:

• Automatic Laboratory Adjustment: Our system automatically subtracts 3mm from your main distance PD to perfectly calculate your close-up viewing zone.

• Example: If you use our adult default distance PD of 62, our system automatically programs your close-up reading zone to 59. You don't have to do any manual math!

My doctor didn't write my PD on my paperwork. What should I do?

It is incredibly common for eye doctors to leave the PD off your physical prescription sheet. If it's missing, you have three easy options:

1. Call Your Clinic: Give your eye doctor’s office a quick call. They usually keep your PD on file in their digital medical records and will gladly read it to you over the phone.

2. Use an App or Online Tool: There are many free, highly accurate smartphone apps and browser-based tools that use your phone's camera to measure your PD in less than 60 seconds.

3. Measure It at Home: You can easily measure it yourself using a millimeter ruler and a mirror.

How to measure your PD at home (The Mirror Method)

If you need to measure your own PD right now, all you need is a standard ruler that shows millimeters (mm) and a mirror.

1. Stand straight and face a mirror in a well-lit room, holding the ruler up against your brow line.

2. Close your right eye and line up the 0mm mark of the ruler exactly with the center of your left pupil.

3. Looking straight ahead, open your right eye and close your left eye.

4. Look into the mirror and note the exact millimeter mark that aligns with the center of your right pupil.

5. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times to ensure you are getting a consistent, accurate reading!