By Dr. Ahmed Azzam, B.Optom
Before you embark on ordering your prescription glasses online, there's a vital step you shouldn't overlook, which is measuring your pupillary distance (PD). In most cases the PD will be written on your Prescription. If it is not you can request from your Optometrist that they include it for you.
PD, an integral part of your glasses’ prescription, plays a pivotal role in ensuring clear vision and optimal comfort when you don your new eyewear. Without the correct PD, you might encounter issues like eye strain and headaches due to improper fit for your vision needs.
Understanding PD in Glasses:
PD signifies the distance between the centres of your pupils, measured in millimetres (mm). This measurement ensures that your prescription aligns precisely with your eyes' optical centres, guaranteeing that your corrective lenses are positioned correctly in front of your pupils.
An accurate PD measurement is paramount for achieving the clearest and most accurate vision possible with your glasses.
If you do not have your PD measurement, you can follow some basic steps to measure It yourself.
Measuring Your PD:
While it's advisable to obtain your PD measurement from an eye care professional whenever feasible, you can easily measure it yourself with our simple guide. Take your time and perform the measurement at least twice to ensure accuracy.
Follow these straightforward steps to measure your PD at home:
- Gather Your Tools: You'll need a ruler with millimetre measurements and either a mirror or a willing friend to assist you.
- Position Yourself: If using a mirror, maintain a straight-ahead gaze into the distance as you measure. If enlisting a friend's help, focus your gaze past them to ensure an accurate result.
- Measure Your PD: Rest the ruler against the bridge of your nose, aligning the middle of your left pupil with the zero line on the ruler. Measure the distance to the middle of your right pupil while keeping your gaze steady.
- Repeat for Accuracy: Perform the measurement two to three times to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Alternatively, you can download the GlassesOn app for Apple or Android.
Additional Tips for Measuring Dual PD:
Dual PD, also known as monocular PD, involves measuring the distance from each pupil to the center of your nose bridge. Follow these steps for a precise measurement:
- Position the Ruler: Place the zero line of the ruler at the centre of your nose bridge.
- Measure Each Eye: Measure the distance from your nose bridge to the centre of each pupil separately.
- Repeat for Accuracy: Repeat the procedure for both eyes to ensure accuracy.
Where to Find Your PD:
When shopping for glasses, having all your prescription details readily available expedites the process. If your PD isn't provided on your prescription, don't panic.
If your glasses prescription lacks PD, it's likely because your eye care professional typically handles this measurement in-store. Reach out to them to ascertain if they have your PD on file before attempting to measure it yourself.
At Lenses Direct, we prioritize your visual clarity and comfort. Understanding your PD ensures that your glasses fit perfectly, providing you with the best possible vision correction. Don't overlook this crucial step in your eyewear journey!
