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What If Your Glasses Prescription Does Not Include PD?

PD may be recorded separately from your glasses prescription. Learn what the number means, how Lenshaus accepts it, and what to do if you cannot find it.

Lenshaus Editorial Team ·

Illustration comparing one total PD line between two pupils with separate right and left PD lines meeting at the center of the nose.

Your glasses prescription may not show pupillary distance, or PD. PD is a measurement used when glasses are dispensed, and it may be recorded separately from the prescription. If you cannot find it, ask your eye doctor or optician for your distance PD. Avoid guessing a number.

What does PD mean?

PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters. It helps place the lenses in front of your eyes. It is one of several measurements that can matter when glasses are made and fitted.

Why might it be missing?

PD is a dispensing measurement, so it is not necessarily printed with the prescription for your lens powers. Your eye doctor or optician may have a distance PD on file or can help you get it measured. Ask for the actual value rather than estimating it or dividing a total number yourself.

Is PD one number or two?

It may be given as one total value or as separate right and left values. Lenshaus lets you enter either format when you build your lenses. Choose the format you were given and copy the distance PD exactly as provided. If a pair of numbers is unclear, ask the person who measured you which value belongs to each eye.

What if you still do not have it?

Lenshaus provides PD help in the prescription step and lets you leave the field blank if you need help. You can also talk with the Lenshaus team before entering a value. If you are considering multifocal lenses, read our guide to progressive lenses in existing frames for more about frame fit and measurements.

Can an app help you find your PD?

Yes. If you cannot get your distance PD from your eye doctor or optician, EyeMeasure can give you a starting estimate on a compatible iPhone. Get EyeMeasure on the App Store and use its distance (far) PD reading. App measurements can differ from an in-person measurement, so if the result is unclear or changes between attempts, ask your doctor or optician to confirm it. Lenshaus is not affiliated with EyeMeasure.

When you have a clear distance PD value, enter it exactly as supplied. If you are unsure which number to use, ask for help before ordering.