If you have ever bought prescription eyewear on the internet you have probably seen the term PD or pupil distance. This refers to the distance between the center of the pupil in one eye and the center of the pupil of your other eye.
When you go to get your eye exam they will usually take this measurement, but it usually isn’t found on the copy of your prescription that you receive. This measurement is a very important one. If you do not have an accurate PD measurement the lenses in your glasses or prescription sunglasses may not line up correctly with your pupils causing blurred vision. This is especially important if you are purchasing prescription sunglasses that have a large amount of wrap. Wrap is when the design of the frame and lenses curve to fit closely around the contour of your face.
As you search for glasses or prescription sunglasses on the internet you will find many people who will tell you that you can find your own pupil distance by looking in a mirror and marking your pupils or a number of other ways. This may work in some cases, but it is not the most accurate way to determine your PD. It is recommended that you contact the office where you received your last eye exam and ask them if they have it on hand or if you can be measured. You will be much happier with your online glasses or prescription sunglasses if you have an accurate measurement
Article by Ryan Steed
Tags: PD, prescription sunglasses, pupil distance
