Pupillary distance – also known as interpupillary distance – is a measure of the distance between a subject’s pupils.
This measurement is factored into the creation of corrective lenses to help locate the optical center of the lenses. Millimeters are the measurement unit used as the industry standard.
Pupillary distance can be measured by machine – a “corneal reflex pupillometer” – or with a millimeter ruler by any optometrist or optical assistant. It can also be measured by you at home with a small ruler, if you’re careful. The pupillary distance measurement does not have to be 100% precise to be useful, as it can tolerate a fairly small error range. If you do measure your own pupillary distance, it is recommended that you try several attempts to be sure you get a fairly accurate measurement.
To give you an idea of the kind of measurement readings you should get, here are the typical ranges for various groups:
If you recently had an eye exam and were given a written prescription, or have an older prescription on file, the prescription may already indicate your pupillary distance. If it does not, you’ll need to obtain that measurement. To do it yourself, follow these steps:
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I used an online tool to measure my pupillary distance. I’ve used it 6 times and 3 times it gave me 61mm, the other 3 times it said 61.5mm. Which one value should I use when ordering glasses online?
Hi Elaine,
It may help to use another person’s assistance to confirm the measure.
I have a cylinder measurement for one eye at -275 and the other at -225 on my last prescription. Does that sound right? Shouldn’t it be -2.75 and -2.25? Can it be as high as over 200??? Also, since my astigmatism is so bad, if I measure my PD and it is 1 mm off and my new lenses have that deviation, is that a bad thing?
Hi Nee,
You should check your eye prescription with your eye doctor.
Just ordered glasses online in France and was surprised to find that they measure PD for each eye, so I told them 35.5 + 35.5. But they also demand a photograph for verification. I guess they measure from the center of the bridge. Do they really need to be so precise?
Hi Mike,
Yes, the PD needs to be precise.
Sounds like JT has a RETINA PROBLEM and needs to go to a retina specialist asap…. like NOW!