
What is pupillary distance?
If you’re planning on placing your first order of prescription glasses online, it may seem a little intimidating at first. Coming across terms like pupillary distance (PD) and not knowing what it is can be a bit frustrating. That is why we’re here to talk about Pupillary Distance and make things as easy as possible.
Pupillary Distance is the distance between your pupils, and it is a crucial measurement in fitting your prescription glasses. To have the clearest vision, the distance between the center of each lens should be the same as the distance between your pupils.
Can you measure pupillary distance yourself?
The Pupillary Distance can be found at the bottom of your prescription card, as your eye doctor or specialist generally measures it. However, suppose there is no Pupillary distance in your prescription because your doctor did not include it or you didn’t realize you had to ask for it. In that case, you can easily retrieve the measurements using an online tool or do it yourself with the help of a mirror and a ruler.
Measure your pupillary distance online
Our free Pupillary Distance app is the best option for measuring your PD online. We recommend this option as it’s fast, easy, and accurate. All you need for our online tool is a smartphone, or a webcam, and a magnetic strip card. The app has voice instructions that will guide you through each step. Head to our website and see how easy it is.
How to measure pupillary distance
If you don’t have access to the tools required to use our app, you can easily measure your PD by yourself. All you need is a ruler and a mirror. Ready?
Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.
Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.
Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.
Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s center. This number is your pupillary distance.
Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.

If you find this process difficult or struggle with any steps, have your friend help you measure your PD instead. Place the ruler against your brow, align the ruler’s zero with the center of your left pupil and have your friend read the number aligned with the center of your right pupil.
What is the average pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance is different for each individual. The average adult’s pupillary distance is between 54 and 74 mm, while the average pupillary distance for children is between 41 and 55 mm. Since pupillary distance changes with physical development, it is important to consider that children may have different pupillary distances each year. This is why measuring the pupillary distance accurately is important before getting a new pair of prescription glasses.
How accurate does my pupillary distance have to be?
Pupillary distance has to be as accurate as possible to ensure you’re looking through the best spot in your lenses and getting the best out of your prescription glasses. If you’re in doubt or have questions, read more about our Pupillary Distance app or head to our Optical Center and speak to one of our opticians online today.
What is pupillary distance?

If you’re planning on placing your first order of prescription glasses online, it may seem a little intimidating at first. Coming across terms like pupillary distance (PD) and not knowing what it is can be a bit frustrating. That is why we’re here to talk about Pupillary Distance and make things as easy as possible.
Pupillary Distance is the distance between your pupils, and it is a crucial measurement in fitting your prescription glasses. To have the clearest vision, the distance between the center of each lens should be the same as the distance between your pupils.
Can you measure pupillary distance yourself?
The Pupillary Distance can be found at the bottom of your prescription card, as your eye doctor or specialist generally measures it. However, suppose there is no Pupillary distance in your prescription because your doctor did not include it or you didn’t realize you had to ask for it. In that case, you can easily retrieve the measurements using an online tool or do it yourself with the help of a mirror and a ruler.
Measure your pupillary distance online
Our free Pupillary Distance app is the best option for measuring your PD online. We recommend this option as it’s fast, easy, and accurate. All you need for our online tool is a smartphone, or a webcam, and a magnetic strip card. The app has voice instructions that will guide you through each step. Head to our website and see how easy it is.
How to measure pupillary distance
If you don’t have access to the tools required to use our app, you can easily measure your PD by yourself. All you need is a ruler and a mirror. Ready?
Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.
Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.
Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.
Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s center. This number is your pupillary distance.
Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.

If you find this process difficult or struggle with any steps, have your friend help you measure your PD instead. Place the ruler against your brow, align the ruler’s zero with the center of your left pupil and have your friend read the number aligned with the center of your right pupil.
What is the average pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance is different for each individual. The average adult’s pupillary distance is between 54 and 74 mm, while the average pupillary distance for children is between 41 and 55 mm. Since pupillary distance changes with physical development, it is important to consider that children may have different pupillary distances each year. This is why measuring the pupillary distance accurately is important before getting a new pair of prescription glasses.
How accurate does my pupillary distance have to be?
Pupillary distance has to be as accurate as possible to ensure you’re looking through the best spot in your lenses and getting the best out of your prescription glasses. If you’re in doubt or have questions, read more about our Pupillary Distance app or head to our Optical Center and speak to one of our opticians online today.