Prescription help

Pupillary Distance

Before you order prescription lenses, you’ll first need to know your pupillary distance (PD). You may find your PD on your current prescription, but don't worry if it’s not included – we’ll walk you through the process.

Diagram of two eyes showing total pupillary distance (single PD) and the right and left measurements that make up a dual PD
THE BASICS

What is pupillary distance?

Pupillary distance (PD) measures the distance in millimeters between the center of each pupil. This required measurement is an important part of correctly filling your prescription, it is used to position the optical center of the lens accurately in your frames. 

Where do I find my PD on my prescription?

Your PD may or may not be listed on your prescription. It’s normally listed as one number, but can also be written as two separate numbers. Two numbers refer to a dual PD.

Single PD is the distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other, written as one number.

Dual PD is measured from the center of each pupil to the center of your nose, so it's written as two numbers. The first is always the right eye (OD), the second the left eye (OS).

If your pupillary distance isn't provided on your prescription, you can either use our PD ruler to measure the distance or contact your eye care provider.

How to measure your PD - with a helper

The easiest way: have someone read the ruler for you.

1. Print & fold

Print the PD ruler at 100% scale (no “fit to page”), then fold it along the dotted line that separates the two measuring methods.

2. Look straight ahead

Flip to the side marked “WITH HELP.” Focus on something 10 to 20 feet ahead of you to keep your eyes steady.

3. Place the ruler

The person helping you will place the PD ruler against your forehead, right at your brow line.

4. Read the number

Align the zero directly over the center of your RIGHT pupil. The millimeter mark that lines up with the center of your LEFT pupil is your PD.

Tip: your helper may need to close one eye to read the mark accurately.

How to measure your PD - with a mirror

No helper? You can do it yourself.

1. Print & fold

Print the ruler at 100% scale and fold it along the dotted line, then flip to the side marked “WITH A MIRROR.”

2. Stand at the mirror

Stand about 8 inches from a mirror and look straight ahead.

3. Line up the zero

Hold the ruler horizontally just above your eyes, with the zero directly over the center of your LEFT pupil. Rest it against your forehead for stability.

4. Read the number

Cover or close your LEFT eye. The millimeter mark that lines up with the center of your RIGHT pupil is your PD.

PD Questions

  • Most adults measure somewhere between 57 and 65 mm. There's no single “normal” PD — everyone is different, and the number varies widely from person to person.

  • Your PD will not be found on your physical frames. Instead, you may find it on your prescription given to you by your eye care professional. If not, please follow the steps above to help you find your PD!

  • A person’s PD will change over time as they grow and mature. But once they stop growing, PD’s may change slightly or may not change at all.

  • No. PD only affects how your lenses are cut and positioned - it has no effect on the frame shape or size you should choose.

More prescription help