How to Find Your PD (Pupillary Distance) on Your Prescription

If you've recently had an eye examination and received a prescription for eyeglasses, you may have noticed that your Pupillary Distance (PD) is an important measurement included in the prescription. Your PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils and is crucial for accurately fitting your prescription eyewear. In this article, we'll guide you on how to find your PD on your prescription, making it easier for you to order the perfect pair of glasses online.

Where to Look on Your Prescription:

  1. Check the PD Section: Start by examining your prescription closely. Look for a section labeled "PD" or "Pupillary Distance." This section may be labeled as "Near PD" for reading glasses and "Distance PD" for regular prescription glasses, depending on your prescription type.

  2. Single PD vs. Dual PD: Your prescription may list your PD measurement as a single number or as two separate measurements for each eye, known as "Single PD" and "Dual PD." Single PD is the total measurement for both eyes combined, while Dual PD provides the measurements for each eye separately.

  3. Measurements in Millimeters: PD measurements are typically expressed in millimeters (mm). It may appear as a single number (e.g., 62mm) or as two numbers (e.g., 32mm/30mm for Single PD) or (e.g., 32mm and 30mm for Dual PD).

Understanding Single PD and Dual PD:

  • Single PD: If you have a Single PD measurement, it represents the total distance between the centers of both your pupils. This measurement is commonly used for single-vision prescription glasses.

  • Dual PD: If you have Dual PD measurements, there will be two numbers listed. The first number is typically the distance from the center of the bridge of your nose to the center of your right pupil (right eye PD), and the second number is the same measurement for your left eye (left eye PD). Dual PD is often used for bifocal or progressive (multifocal) prescription glasses.

What If Your Prescription Doesn't Include PD?

In some cases, your prescription may not include your PD measurement. If that's the case, you have a few options:

  1. Contact Your Eye Care Professional: Reach out to the eye care professional who conducted your eye exam. They should have your PD on record and can provide it to you.

  2. Use an Online PD Measurement Tool: Several websites and apps offer tools that allow you to measure your PD at home using a webcam or smartphone camera. However, these measurements may not be as accurate as those obtained by a professional.

  3. Visit an Optician: If you want the most accurate PD measurement, consider visiting an optician or eyeglass store. They can measure your PD precisely using specialized equipment.

 

Finding your PD on your prescription is essential when ordering prescription eyeglasses online. Always make sure to locate this measurement and, if needed, consult with your eye care professional or an optician to ensure the accuracy of your PD measurement for the best-fitting glasses that will enhance your vision and comfort.