Blog

Measure Your Pupillary Distance at Home Accurately

Checking your vision can sometimes be complex. Even when you are going to get glasses, you need to ensure some different elements that patients don’t even know about. It is one thing to know that you have weak eyesight and another thing to know about your pupillary distance. This is important to measure when it comes to finding a new pair of glasses. This is mainly applied to those who are buying new prescription glasses.

For those who don’t know what pupillary distance is, it is the distance between the pupils of both eyes. Therefore, the measurement of the distance from the center of one pupil to the other is known as PD or pupillary distance. The reason why this is important is that it ensures that the lens is in the correct place and it is in the right position so that you can see everything clearly.

Shop Pentax Eagle

The Top 3 Methods to Measure PD 

Some places do not measure pupillary distance whereas some do. Therefore, a ton of people just measure them at home. There are numerous ways how you can measure pupillary distance but, the best thing for you will be to head to an eye shop. They will measure it correctly for you so that no complications arise when it comes to getting the right set of glasses. Hence, if you want to measure your pupillary distance at home then here are a few ways how you can do it.

1.  Use technology for accurate measurement

Technology is advancing and there are a ton of ways how you can use it for your benefit. There is a tool known as the Eyeweb pupillary distance measurement tool. Hence, for this method, you will need a card with a magnetic strip. This can be any card like a credit card, gift card, etc. Another element you will need is a webcam. You can use the one that is situated on your computer or laptop. Therefore, by using this tool, you will be able to get an accurate measure of your pupils. The app has all the instructions and it will guide you step by step to ensure you are doing it right.

2.  Use a ruler

There are numerous rules but, you will need a specific one to measure your pupillary distance. The ruler you will need will be the one that measures in millimeters. You can find these rulers online as well if you don’t have them with you. The first step after finding a ruler will be:

• Stand 8 or 10 inches away from a mirror. You will have to look straight ahead. Ensure that the ruler is parallel and it is above your eyes. To ensure that you do not keep moving the ruler, you can rest it against your forehead.

• After you are holding your ruler correctly, you will have to line the 0 on the ruler with the center of your right pupil. To do this, you will close your left eye. You will then see if the 0 is lined perfectly with your pupil.

• When you have the 0 in the accurate place, you will have to do the same with the other eye. For example, if you measure your left eye first, you will do the right eye next. Align the 0 with your right pupil and then close your right eye to measure where the center of your left pupil aligns.

• You can repeat this a couple more times so that you have an accurate measurement.

3.  Use your old pair of glasses 

You can always use your old safety glasses to measure accurately your pupillary distance. However, this might give you an accurate measurement but it will give you a near number.

• While having your glasses, you need to stand 8 to 10 inches away from a mirror.

• Stand straight and take a marker. With this, you will mark the center of your pupils on your glasses. Ensure that the marker is not permanent and it does not ruin your lens.

• Next, you will remove your glasses and measure the distance between the points you made on your glasses.

• This measurement will be your pupillary distance.

• To ensure that it is somewhat near to being accurate, you can tell someone else to mark the points for you.

All of Them Follow the Basic Steps 

There are numerous other ways how you can measure your PD. However, if you are going to do it at home then these are the best methods to do so. All of them require the same steps but use different elements. No matter what step you are doing, you will need to follow just some simple steps. These are to:

• Stand away from a mirror (8-10 inches)

• Hold a ruler. This can be a digital or physical ruler

• Close your right eye and align the 0 with the center of your left pupil

• Look straight, minimizing any movement, and then close your left eye and open your right eye

• The number that lines up with the center of your right pupil will be your PD