Pupil in eye distance is the center of one pupil to the center of the other pupil. Prescription eye glasses are manufactured so that the distance between the two pupil’s centers of your eyes is the same distance on your eye
glasses.
Pupil in eye distance can and does vary from person to person. It can change for a person too. However, once you become an adult that distance doesn’t change. Therefore, if you have a measurement of your pupil in eye distance made as an adult, it won’t change. Although your prescription may change, your pupil distance remains the same.
The pupil distance is typically measured during the eye exam or when you order your glasses. If you are planning on ordering your glasses from someone other than your eye exam professional, make sure that you have your pupil distance. For example, if you want to order your eye glasses over the internet, make certain that you have your pupil distance when you order your eye glasses.
If you have it measured after you have your prescription at a different eye shop, some may charge you a fee. Remember that if you had your pupil in eye distance previously measured as an adult, it doesn’t change. Therefore, if you have had eyeglasses from a shop or eye care professional, give them a phone call or stop by and get your pupil distance measurements.
If you would like to try measuring your own pupil distance there is a way. However, it is recommended that you have a professional take care of these measurements. They typically have a machine that can do it for you in 10-15 seconds.
Measuring your own pupil distance
You will need a mirror to get your measurements.
• Look into the mirror and hold a small ruler against the bridge of your nose using one hand.
• Close your left eye
• Line the zero on the ruler up with the center of the pupil of your right eye.
• Without moving the ruler or your head, close your right eye
• Open your left eye and read the number lining up with the center of the pupil your left eye
• This number is the pupil distance for your eyes
• Repeat the process 2-3 times to verify you are getting the same number
Typically the number is measured in millimeters, so you may want to make certain your ruler has millimeter measurements.
Some find it easier to use a second person to measure your pupil distance outside of the eye care professional or eye shop. Instead of using your mirror, have a second person line the ruler up and take the measurements. Repeat the process more than once to make certain you are receiving the same measurement number. If you have a strong prescription and need progressive lenses , our advise would be to visit your eye care professional to measure papillary distance.
