How to Measure Pupillary Distance By Yourself?

James Roque

Nov. 20, 2021

You'll need to know your PD if you want to order glasses online from Jei & Co. Optics. In this blog we will show you how to measure your Pupillary Distance commonly known as PD.

What is Pupillary Distance?

The distance between the centres of the pupils of the eyes, also known as the interpupillary distance, is measured in millimetres. This measurement varies from person to person and is also dependent on whether the person is gazing at close or far objects.

 

Pupillary distance measurement is crucial since it determines the distance between your eyes in order to ensure that your pupils align with the optical centre of your lenses.

What is Binocular PD vs. Monocular PD

Binocular PD is the pupillary distance between the center of one pupil to the other. Most binocular PD is written as “63”, which is measured in millimeters. 

 

Monocular PD is the distance between the centres of each pupil and the bridge of the nose is measured in two numbers. The indication for monocular PD is commonly written as 34/33. The right eye (OD) measurement is always the first number, while the left eye (LE) measurement is always the second number (OS). Most PD measurements at optical stores are measured this way. 

 

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Measure PD at home by yourself

What you need: 

Mirror | Pen and paper | Ruler in millimeters

 

Step 1) Stand about 8 inches away from the mirror. Make sure the environment is well-lit for you to easily identify your pupil.

 

Step 2) Look straight ahead into the mirror and position the ruler over the bridge of your nose.

 

Step 3) Starting with the right eye, line up the 0 end of the ruler at your pupil; measure the distance from your right eye to the center of your bridge. This will give you the PD of your right eye. 

 

Step 4) With the PD for the left eye, start by lining up the 0 end of the ruler to the center of your bridge; measure the distance from the center of your bridge to the pupil of your left eye.

 

Repeat the measurement process at least three times and take the average of all measurements taken as the final measurement.

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Measure PD with the help of someone

What you need:

A friend/family or anyone that can help | Pen and Paper | Ruler in millimeters

    

Step 1) Face towards your friend and look straight ahead.

 

Step 2) Keep both eyes open and still as possible.

 

Step 3) Have your friend hold the ruler up to your right so the zero lines up with your pupil. Measure from the right pupil to the center of your bridge. This is the PD measurement of your right eye. 

 

Step 4) To measure the PD for the left eye, have your friend line up the zero end to the center of your bridge. Measure the distance from the center of your bridge to the pupil of your left eye. This is the PD measurement for your left eye.

 

Repeat the measurement process at least three times and take the average of all measurements taken as the final measurement.

Browse for your new pair

After you've measured your pupillary distance, you can use our Virtual Try-On function to see what colours, frame sizes, and glasses shapes you prefer most. You can also come in store to try on our frames. 

 

You're ready to browse for glasses online now that you know how to determine your pupillary distance. Simply have your prescription on hand and double-check your measurements before beginning the procedure. 

 

To read more about buying glasses online, go here >>Our home collection - frames for $89

 

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Resources: 

https://m.voogueme.com/guideTips/measurePD