Pupillary Distance (PD)
Pupillary distance, or PD, is the distance between your pupils in millimeters. It is used to center the lenses in front of your eyes, and you need it when you order prescription glasses from us. Here we explain what PD is, how it appears on your prescription and where to get your value.
What is pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters. The value is used to place the optical center of each lens directly in front of your eyes, so you see sharply and comfortably. For most adults, PD is between about 54 and 74 millimeters. Your PD is measured by your optician, usually during the eye exam. How to find your PD
Why is pupillary distance needed?
Every lens has an optical center where vision is sharpest. PD tells us where in the frame that center should be, so it sits directly in front of your pupil.
If the optical center is in the wrong place, the glasses can feel tiring to wear. It can cause tired eyes or headaches, for example. The stronger your prescription, the more important it is that your PD is right.
How is pupillary distance written on a prescription?
PD is written in slightly different ways depending on the optician. These are the most common versions.
| What it says | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One value | Total distance between the pupils (binocular PD) | 63 |
| Two values with a slash | Distance from the center of the nose bridge to each pupil (monocular PD) | 31.5 / 31.5 |
| Two different values | The first for distance and the second for near | 63 / 60 |
Where do I find my pupillary distance?
Start by looking at your glasses prescription. PD is often at the bottom, below the values for the right and left eye, and is labeled PD or pupillary distance.
If PD is missing from your prescription, contact the optician who did your eye exam. PD is usually measured during the exam even if it is not written on the prescription.
Can I measure my pupillary distance myself?
We recommend getting your PD from an optician. An optician measures with the right instruments and can tell distance and near apart.
Measurements at home with a ruler, mirror or app can easily be off by a millimeter or more, which can affect how the lenses work. That is why the value from your optician is the safest choice.
Which PD should I enter?
Enter the value exactly as it is written on your prescription. If you are unsure how to enter two values, contact us before you order.
If there are different values for distance and near, use the distance value when you order regular glasses for distance. If you order computer lenses for screen work, ask your optician which value applies to the screen distance.
How do I enter PD when I order?
PD is a required field when you order prescription lenses from us. When you order, you enter the values from your prescription, and PD is one of the fields that must be filled in.
Without a PD you cannot complete an order with prescription lenses. Get the value from your optician first, and the order is quick.
Good to know
If you order glasses without prescription, you do not need a PD. Read more about non-prescription glasses and how to order glasses online.
Choose your frame
Once you have your prescription and your PD, it is time to choose a frame. All our optical frames can be ordered with lenses made to your prescription, from 1,299 SEK for the frame and 895 SEK for the lenses.
Popular frames
All optical frames
Questions about pupillary distance
What is pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between the centers of your pupils in millimeters. It is used to center the lenses in front of your eyes.
What is a normal pupillary distance?
For most adults, PD is between about 54 and 74 millimeters.
Do I have to enter PD when I order?
Yes. PD is required when you order prescription lenses from Corlin.
Where do I find my PD?
Usually at the bottom of your glasses prescription. If it is missing, contact the optician who did your eye exam.
Can I measure PD myself?
We recommend getting your PD from an optician, because measurements at home can easily be off by a millimeter or more.
What do two values, like 31.5 / 31.5, mean?
That is monocular PD, the distance from the center of the nose bridge to each pupil. Enter the value exactly as it is written on your prescription.
What does 63 / 60 on my prescription mean?
The first value is for distance and the second for near.
Do I need PD for non-prescription glasses?
No. PD is only needed when you order prescription lenses.