How To Measure Your Child's PD

You'll need their PD measurements if you get MEsquad glasses for your kid. If it needs to be added to their prescription, we can help you find it.

So, what's a PD? It's the distance, in millimeters, from the center of one pupil to the other pupil. Your PD is critical to your prescription because it shows exactly which part of the lens you look through.

There are two kinds of PD: single and dual. Single PD is the distance between one eye's pupil and the other. Dual PD is the distance from each eye's pupil to the middle of the nose. Single PD is just one number, while dual PD has one for each eye labeled "right or OD" and "left or OS."

You can get the PD in a few ways. There are apps on iPhones that work well. The best one is Eye Measure. Download it from the app store, follow the steps, and get the number. It's that easy. Do it a few times to make sure it's right. 

If you can't use the app, you can do it the old-fashioned way:

Step 1:  Make sure your child is nearby.

Step 2: Download the PD ruler. Don't change the size or scale when printing.

Step 3: Cut along the blue lines (remember the eyes!).

Step 4: Put the ruler over the center of your kid's right pupil, ensuring it's straight. Press it against their forehead for stability.

Step 5: While they look straight, measure from the center of their right pupil to the center of their left pupil. Use a soft-tip marker to be safe.

Step 6: Do it a couple of times and use the average for the final number.

That's how you get the PD. It would help if you did this every time you buy glasses because it can change as your kid grows. Even when they're done growing, it may vary a little. If you have any questions, email or call us!