What Is Pupillary Distance (PD)?

Pupillary Distance is the space between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters. It determines where the optical center of each lens should be positioned to align with your eyes for maximum clarity.

There are two types:

• Single PD – One number, often used for single-vision prescriptions.
• Dual PD – Two numbers (one for each eye), typically used for high-prescription or progressive lenses.

Why PD Is Critical for Prescription Sports Eyewear

Proper PD ensures your RX lenses are centered exactly over your pupils. If the PD is off—by even 1–2 mm—it can lead to:

• Blurred or distorted vision during movement
• Eye strain and fatigue during matches
• Headaches from long wear sessions
• Reduced reaction time on court due to off-angle focus

That’s why we require PD for all orders at Blinded Wear—even if your doctor didn’t write it on your script. It's one of the most important factors in building RX glasses that can handle sports speed and precision.

How to Measure Your Pupillary Distance at Home

PD isn’t hard to measure—you just need a mirror, a ruler, and good lighting. Here’s how:

1. Stand about 8 inches from a mirror in a well-lit room.
2. Hold a millimeter ruler against your brow, lining up the 0 mark with the center of one pupil.
3. While looking straight ahead, note the mm measurement directly over your other pupil.
4. That number is your PD! Average PDs range from 58–68 mm for adults.

Need help? You can also ask a friend to assist or use an app-based tool. Or contact us—we’ll walk you through it virtually.

Why We Don't Accept Incomplete or Invalid RXs

To protect your vision and ensure lens safety, we do not fulfill prescriptions missing PD or with expired dates. We also aren’t responsible for incorrect prescriptions submitted by customers, so double-check your script before uploading.

See our upload guide here: How to Upload Your RX Safely and Accurately

What Happens If PD Is Measured Incorrectly?

An inaccurate PD can throw off your vision significantly. Unlike reading glasses or fashion frames, sports RX glasses must align perfectly to function properly while you're moving quickly, changing lighting, and tracking fast objects.

If your lenses are off-center, you’ll likely experience:

• Wobbly or “off-balance” perception
• Distorted court or depth cues
• Visual fatigue after just 15–30 minutes

That’s why we take PD accuracy so seriously—it’s the core of competitive-ready optics.

RX Sports Glasses That Depend on PD Accuracy

Every pair we offer is custom-built based on your full prescription, including PD. Models like:

• Runway RX – Feather-light build for long play
• Steel Ice RX – Stable for quick cuts and pivots
• Havana Melt RX – Wide field of view for doubles
• Blue Shield RX – Extra lens surface for peripheral tracking

Related Reads

• How to Upload Your RX Safely and Accurately
• How RX Glasses Train Your Brain to Read the Court Faster
• What Happens to Visual Speed Without RX Correction

FAQ: Pupillary Distance for RX Sports Glasses

Can I use my old PD?

If your facial structure hasn’t changed and the PD is recent (within 1–2 years), it’s likely still valid. But it’s always best to re-measure or get it confirmed by your eye doctor.

Is dual PD required for Blinded Wear lenses?

Single PD is usually enough for single-vision lenses. If you submit dual PD, we’ll use it to ensure more precise centering—especially for higher prescriptions.

Do I need to include PD when uploading my prescription?

Yes. We cannot process RX orders without PD. It's a required field in our submission process.

Will you call my eye doctor for the PD?

No. We recommend asking them directly or measuring it yourself with our guide above.

Shop Prescription Sports Glasses with Precision-Built Optics

Every pair of Blinded Wear RX glasses is built to your specs — and your PD is key to performance. Upload a clear, complete RX and we’ll handle the rest with precision-level accuracy.

Shop RX Glasses for Athletes →