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Tools for Measuring Pupillary Distance

Pupillary distance is the measure of the distance between your two pupils. It is such as small measurement that it is taken in millimeters (1 mm is approximately 0.04 inches). If you are ordering glasses without visiting a doctor, you will have to make this measurement on your own. Without the proper pupillary measurement, your glasses may be uncomfortable and ill-fitting and could even harm your eyes.

  1. Millimeter Ruler

    • The most important tool for measuring pupillary distance is a ruler that allows you to measure in millimeters. The ruler should have clear lines, as the distance needs to be measured exactly. To find the pupillary distance, hold this ruler up to your eyes and measure the number of millimeters from the outside of one pupil to the inside of the other. Since your face is curved, you may want to find a flexible paper ruler.

    Mirror

    • A mirror is another key tool that will help you find your pupillary distance. To find the distance, a friend should stand at your same height and hold the ruler up against your eyes. If you don’t have a friend or family member to help you, use a mirror. A wall or hand-held mirror works best, as opposed to a bathroom mirror blocked by a sink. It allows you to get your face closer so you can read the minute measurements on the ruler.

    Bright Lighting

    • To accurately read the measurement on the ruler, you will need bright lighting. If you are using a hand mirror, try placing it beside a bright lamp. Make sure you are not sitting above the mirror and looking down, however. This might change your point of view and skew the measurement. Stand beside a tall lamp or outside if a friend is taking your pupillary measurement. It can be difficult to determine exactly where your pupils begin and end, and this is essential for an accurate measurement. This can especially be the case if you have dark eyes that the pupil can blend into. For this reason, be sure to use bright lighting and take the measurement several times until you are sure it is correct.

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