Free Shipping On All US Orders.Pupillary distance, also known as PD, is an important measurement necessary for your prescription glasses lenses. This measurement refers to the distance between the centers of the pupils in millimeters. The proper measurement of pupillary distance is essential to ensure that the center of the lenses is correctly aligned with the center of the wearer’s pupils, which ultimately affects the clarity and comfort of the glasses frames.
How to measure Pupillary Distance
There are several ways to measure pupillary distance. The most common method is through the use of a pupillometer, a specialized instrument designed to measure the distance between the pupils accurately. Pupillometers can be found in most optometry clinics and are often used during an eye exam. This device works by shining a light into each eye, with the reflection of the light then used to determine the distance between your pupils.
Another way to measure pupillary distance is through a manual method using a ruler. You can look straight ahead while the ruler is held up to the bridge of your nose. The distance between the centers of the pupils is measured by aligning the zero mark on the ruler with the center of the left pupil and then reading the measurement on the ruler corresponding to the center of the right pupil. This method is less accurate than using a pupillometer, but it is still useful in some situations.
Monocular vs. binocular PD measurements
Monocular PD. This is the distance between the center of your pupil and the middle of the bridge of your nose. Monocular PDs are required for the accurate fitting of progressive or multifocal lenses. Patients with misalignment of eyes like squint are also required to measure monocular PD.
Binocular PD. This is the distance between the center of the pupil of one eye and the center of the pupil of the other eye.
Due to facial asymmetry, monocular PDs are not always the same value. But the sum of your two monocular PD measurements should be equal to binocular PD.
It is important to note that measuring pupillary distance is not just a technical procedure but also an art. The measurement can be affected by a variety of factors, including the patient’s posture, facial asymmetry, and even the lighting conditions in the room. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the measurement is taken correctly, and by a qualified professional, to avoid any errors that can affect the comfort and visual acuity of the patient’s eyewear.
The importance of measuring pupillary distance cannot be overstated. Wearing eyewear with an incorrect PD can lead to a range of issues, including eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and even nausea. Additionally, poorly fitting eyewear can also result in discomfort, which can cause the wearer to avoid wearing their glasses or contacts altogether.
It is worth noting that pupillary distance can vary from person to person, and even from one eye to the other in the same person. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the PD for each eye separately, and not assume that both eyes have the same measurement.
In conclusion, pupillary distance is a crucial measurement that is necessary for accurate prescription glasses. Proper measurement of PD ensures that the center of the glasses lenses is correctly aligned with the center of the wearer’s pupils, leading to improved visual acuity and comfort. Whether measured manually or using a specialized device, it is important to ensure that the measurement is taken correctly, and by a qualified professional. By doing so, patients can avoid discomfort and visual problems associated with poorly fitting eyewear.