Understanding Pupillary Distance (PD)

Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of the pupils of your eyes. This measurement is essential for crafting prescription eyeglasses correctly, ensuring that the optical center of each lens aligns perfectly with the center of your pupil.

Why is PD important?

The precise alignment of your lenses with your pupils is critical for clear and comfortable vision. If the optical centers are off, you might experience:

• Eye Strain: Your eyes may work harder to try and correct for the misalignment.
• Headaches: Persistent eye strain can often lead to headaches.
• Distorted Vision: Objects may appear blurry, doubled, or out of focus, especially at the periphery of your lenses.
• Reduced Lens Effectiveness: The corrective power of your lenses may not be fully utilized.

Knowing your PD ensures your glasses are tailored to your eyes, providing the best possible visual acuity and comfort. Most optometrists will measure your PD during an eye exam, especially when prescribing new glasses.

If you're ordering glasses online, you'll often need to provide this measurement. Some practices offer PD measurement as a standalone service. Check our directory to find a practice near you!