How To Measure Your Child's PD

If you're shopping for a pair of MEsquad glasses, you'll have to enter your child's PD measurements. If it’s not on their prescription, we can help you determine what those numbers are no problem. 

You might be wondering what a PD is. PD or “Pupillary Distance” simply put it's the distance between the centre of your pupils. Your PD is an important part of your prescription because it shows exactly which part of the lens you look through.

There are two types of PD, single and dual. A single pupillary distance is the distance in millimetres between one eye’s pupil to the other eye’s pupil. A dual pupillary distance number is a distance in millimetres from each eye’s pupil to the centre of your nose. A single PD will be just one number, while a dual PD will have a number for each eye marked “right or OD” and “left or OS”.

There are several ways you can get your PD measurement. There are various mobile apps on iOS that work extraordinarily well. The best one that we have found is Eye Measure. Download it on your iPhone or iPad through the app store. Follow the prompts and get the measurement. It really is that easy. You should do it 2 or 3 times to get the most accurate number. If you don’t have access to the app, you can always do it the old-fashioned way, which is probably the best way to do it:

Step 1:
Parents, ensure your child is nearby. You'll need them to find their PD. 

Step 2:
Download the PD ruler.

Step 3:
Work together to cut along the blue lines (and don’t forget the eyes!)

Step 4:
Place the ruler directly over the centre of your right pupil so that the ruler is horizontal. Place against the forehead for added stability.

Step 5:
While looking straight ahead, measure the distance from the centre of your right pupil to the centre of your left pupil (use a soft-tip marker to avoid injuring the child’s eye).

Step 6:
Repeat a couple of times for accuracy and use an average for your final measurement.

And that's how you get your PD measurement. You will need to do this every time you purchase glasses as your PD will change as you grow. Once you stop growing, your PD can still change, but it will be very subtle. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email or call us!