How to Measure Pupillary Distance (PD)

What Is Pupillary Distance and Why It Matters
Pupillary distance (PD) measures the space between your eyes. Specifically, it spans between your right and left center pupils.

It's helpful for optometrists when they fit you to prescription glasses. A better fit means you can likely avoid eye strain and headaches caused by discomfort.

How to Measure Your PD With Our Tool Online In 3 Steps

No app download required. You can grab your phone and use the camera in the front. You'll need a standard credit card so our tool can reference the size better.

01

Pick up your Device and Take Off Your Glasses

It's best to do this in a well-lit area with no background.

02

Stare into the Camera

Make sure your face is centered in frame, then look straight ahead like you would for a DMV photo. Try to keep your head really level, if you can.

03

Hold the Credit Card up to your Forehand

Press it pretty firmly against you, and have the magnetic part facing out.

Then let the tool do its thing. It should calculate your PD automatically, but if there are any issues just run through the 3 steps again.

You now have your PD. Ready to find frames that fit?

Shop Vicci Eyewear's prescription glasses for women and enter your measurement at checkout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure PD at home?

Yes, it's a super fast process and easy to do. You can use any camera, doesn't have to be fancy. Most at-home readings will get the sizing close enough; by that I mean within 1 or 2 millimeters which is plenty close.

Is an online PD tool accurate?

I can't speak for all, but I know Vicci's margin for error is within 1 millimeter.

Do I need a professional PD measurement? 

At-home tools are plenty good enough. The only issue might be if your doctor gave you an unusual prescription, something more complex. Then you could need a clinical fitting from an actual optometrist. But for standard prescriptions, no.