What is Pupillary Distance and why is it important?

The Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils. In many cases, the PD is measured by an optician. Your PD becomes a part of your examination record, and can be included with the prescription upon request. If a doctor doesn't have your PD, stop by any local optical, as many providers will provide the service as a courtesy. An accurate Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement ensures proper focus when a patient looks through their eyeglass lenses. An inaccurate PD causes eye strain, headaches, and unclear, or double vision.

If you want, you can try to measure your PD at home. You need a pair of glasses and a friend to sit facing you. With the glasses on, focus on your friend’s forehead. Have your friend use a felt-tip marker to place a dot on each lens directly in front of your pupil. Once the dots are placed, remove the glasses. With any millimeter ruler, measure the distance between the two dots. This measurement (if correctly performed) is your pupillary distance.

Watch the video below for more help!