Pupillary distance (PD) | What is PD and how to measure your PD
When the time comes to select new glasses, it can be useful to understand a few simple factors. To pick out eyewear that meets all of your needs, you need to know what various numbers and designations are for. For example, you might hear a bit about pupillary distance. To get the best glasses for your needs, you can definitely benefit by learning more about what is PD. Use these tips to get a better understanding of the average distance for both men and women.
Your eyes are set at a particular distance from each other, which can vary from person to person. The distance between the centre of one pupil to the centre of the other is referred to as Pupillary Distance (PD).
What Is PD?
To begin, it can be useful to understand what is PD on glasses. Essentially, your pupillary distance is the measured space between the center of each of your pupils. This is typically expressed in millimeters. The value is usually written out as a single number, unless one eye is further from the face’s center than the other. The reason that this measurement is important when it comes to your eyewear is because it dictates exactly how the lenses are crafted. If the measurements are off, it can completely alter the way the glasses feel and work.
Typically, the Pupillary Distance falls in a range between 54 and 65 mm. As children grow up, their PD keeps on changing but once they become adults, this value remains constant.
Want to Measure your own PD? View Here
Your prescription can either have one PD value or two PD values, knowing your PD is very important so that you may buy prescription glasses that fit your face perfectly. It is essential that your glasses’ lenses are directly focused over your pupils so that you can enjoy proper vision.
Read our guide to learn How to Measure your PD. View Here
Determining PD
While the best way to get an accurate reading of your PD is by visiting with an eye doctor or specialist, you can get a general idea of your own distance on your own. Grab a ruler and stand about 8 inches away from a mirror. Placing the ruler flat against the mirror, close your right eye and align the zero mark of the ruler with the center point of the pupil on your left eye. Holding the ruler in the exact same position, open your right eye and follow the same procedure.
Since this isn’t the most accurate method of how to find pupillary distance, you want to repeat the process a few times. The number you see the most frequently is likely to be the most accurate. Again, a professional can provide a more concrete number for you to work with. While the measurement does not need to be 100% correct for your glasses to work, you still l want the number to be as close as possible to your actual PD.
Average PD for Men and Women
An interesting fact about pupillary distance is that it seems to be somewhat consistent between men and women. Though face shapes vary widely and eyes can have a variety of placements in relation to the nose, it seems that there is still an average that proves pretty accurate. In general, a person’s PD will usually range somewhere between 58mm and 68mm. For men, the average has been documented at 64mm. Meanwhile, the average PD for women is about 62mm. These numbers are not set in stone, of course, and your own distance could fall anywhere in the range.
When it comes to picking out new glasses from Marvel Optics, you want to have all of your information ready to go before you even begin your search. Take time to get a better idea of areas like what is PD in order to feel confident in your decision. With a little research, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to select the perfect pair of glasses.
FAQs
What is Pupillary distance?
- Pupillary distance (PD) or interpupillary distance which is the distance between the centers of the pupils.
How do you find the PD on a prescription?
- Pupillary distance is not always listed on your prescription but can be obtained by using a ruler and a mirror.
How do you measure pupillary distance?
- Stand in front of a mirror with a ruler.
- Hold the ruler against your brow.
- Close the right eye and align the ruler’s 0 mm with the center of your left pupil.
- Looking straight, close your left eye then open your right eye.
- The line that lines up to the center of your right pupil is the PD measurement.
Why is pupillary distance important?
- Pupillary distance is needed to make a pair of prescription glasses because it tells the manufacturer of the glasses where to put the optical center on each lens.
What happens if pupillary distance is wrong?
- If your pupil distance does not match the centers of your pupils are, your vision will be affected. The wrong pupillary distance induces eye strain, fatigue, headaches and blurry vision.
Best Prescription Glasses
WileyX Profile
The WileyX WorkSight series of frames includes prescription-ready safety glasses. The Profile style has rectangular frames with full rims. Triloid frames and polycarbonate lenses meet the American National Standards Institute Z87.1-2010 high velocity and mass impact requirements and U.S. federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards. These glasses come with a fold-over case, removable side shields and a drawstring storage pouch.
Profile frames may be available in several color choices such as Gloss Brown Demi, Gloss Green Demi, Matte Hickory Brown, and Matte Black. This eyewear can accommodate single vision, bifocal and progressive lenses. Check the frame size and dimensions to determine whether Wiley X Profile can provide the best fit for daily, occupational or activewear.
ArmourX 6001
Another popular frame style ready for prescription lenses is ArmourX 6001. These plastic glasses with polycarbonate lenses meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. Large black rectangle frames wrap around the wearer’s face. While these glasses are compatible with single vision, bifocal or progressive lenses, the base curve may not be the best choice for high Rx lenses.
The 6001 style frames from ArmourX are suitable for on-the-job or activewear. A lightweight frame design is paired with lenses treated to resist dust, fog, reflections and scratches. When fitted with clear or tinted lenses, this eyewear provides protection from ultraviolet rays. This style is popular because it is comfortable and stylish enough to wear inside and outside while doing a wide range of activities.
Shellshore
A double bridge distinguishes Shellshore by Marvel Optics apart from other metal rectangular frames. This small feature draws attention upward toward the browline, which can be helpful for balancing the features of a round, oval, triangle or diamond-shaped face and adding an element of style. These full-rim glasses come in a small size and accommodate single vision lenses.
Rectangle-shaped frames with a double bridge are ideal for oval and oblong face shapes. Check the measurements of these frames to determine whether Shellshore is the right safety prescription glasses style for you. These frames may be available in colors such as blue, gunmetal or jet black.
M-Line Brave
Brave frames by M-Line have on-trend vintage styling at an affordable price. These round acetate full-rim glasses have spring hinges. Some versions combine black frame fronts and colored temples. Single vision, bifocal and progressive lenses can all be fitted into these frames, as can high Rx prescriptions. An anti-scratch coating maintains optical clarity for comfortable wear and value.
Check the dimensions of Brave frames to determine whether this style is the best choice for your face. Men and women can both sport this retro style. Choose from several shades such as matte black with navy temples, matte black with red temples and matte black. You can also customize this style with clear or tinted lenses.
Katelyn
One of the most popular prescription frame styles for women is Katelyn by Marvel Optics. These cat-eye full-rim frames are another vintage style updated for modern wear. Plastic frame fronts and temples feature textural details for a unique look. The best online prescription glasses for women are compatible with single vision, bifocal, progressive lenses and high Rx prescriptions.
If you have an oval or pear-shaped face, you may want to consider Katelyn frames. These glasses can be fitted with clear or tinted lenses with an anti-scratch coating for vision correction or sun protection. These glasses come in a medium size. Check the dimensions of this eyewear to determine whether it will provide the best fit. Marvel Optics makes more prescription-ready styles for women.
