Are you considering a new pair of eyeglasses or contacts? Have you tried purchasing glasses online but struggled to get the exact right fit for your eyes and facial dimensions? Maximizing both vision comfort and correction often comes down to precisely measuring your pupillary distance (PD).
Your pupillary distance indicates the space between the pupils on each eye, measured in millimeters. This key measurement allows for properly centering prescription lenses to match your unique eyes for optimal visual alignment.
An accurate pupillary distance prevents blurred edges, distortion, headaches, and eye strain tied to improperly fitted glasses. But getting this measurement right can be tricky on your own.
This is where pupillary distance smartphone apps come to the rescue! Advanced digital PD measurement tools place the ability to capture your pupillary distance into the palm of your hand.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the value of accurate pupillary distance, how measurement apps achieve precision fitting for glasses and contacts, features that set the best apps apart, and the top 10 pupillary distance app recommendations to start using today.
Why Pupillary Distance Matters for Proper Vision Care
Maintaining excellent eye health and vision should be a priority for everyone. But did you realize:
- 42% of Americans wear some form of vision correction from eyeglasses to contacts
- 90% of presbyopes (age 40+) require glasses for screen work or reading
- Farsightedness and macular degeneration affect over 50 million adults in the U.S.
Yet among those already wearing eyeglasses or contacts, 70% have outdated prescriptions, inaccurately measured pupillary distance or less than ideally fitted frames.
This not only impacts day-to-day vision but over time can contribute to digital eye strain triggering headaches, dry eyes, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
But the good news? Precisely measuring your pupillary distance makes finding perfectly fitted prescription eyewear quick and easy!
What Are PD Measurement Apps & How Do They Work?
Pupillary distance measurement apps enable using your smartphone front-facing camera to instantly capture your PD measurement down to a 10th of a millimeter precision.
Through facial and eye recognition algorithms, pupillary apps identify the location of your pupil centers. Advanced image processing automatically calculates and displays the distance between them – your PD number!
Pupillary distance apps eliminate the difficulty and inaccuracy issues with manual ruler measurements. Instead, they provide a guided user experience:
- Download a pupillary distance measurement app to your iPhone or Android phone
- Position your face centered on the screen as guided
- Capture images looking directly at your phone camera
- Your PD measurement instantly appears on the screen!
The whole process takes 30 seconds or less. Just be sure to follow any on-screen tips provided in the app for ideal capturing angle and face positioning to maximize accuracy.
Why Use a Smartphone PD App Over Manual Measurement?
You may be wondering why use one of these pupillary distance apps instead of the classic hand mirror, ruler or tape measure methods? Great question!
Here are 7 reasons smartphone PD measurement apps deliver vastly superior accuracy and experience:
- Precision down to 0.1mm – Apps leverage powerful facial recognition algorithms for unmatched accuracy
- Simplicity – Just launch the app and follow on-screen prompts
- Speed – PD measurement complete in under 30 seconds
- Self-measurement – Measure yourself or other’s PD without assistance
- Digitally stored – Convenient record keeping and exporting capability
- Fun and engaging – Famed apps game-ify PD measurement
- Affordable – Most pupillary apps are free or under $5
Compared to out-dated manual approaches, papillary distance apps bring this critical measurement for proper vision correction fitting into the 21st century!
But with so many apps out there touting pupillary distance measurement, how do identify the very best for your needs?
Here are 5 key criteria to evaluate:
Measurement Accuracy – The best apps leverage advanced facial recognition and shape detection algorithms to precisely measure PD within +/- 0.5mm
Ease of Use – From setup and instructions to measurement and results, the process should be quick and hassle-free
Prescription Integration – Ability to export PD into online contacts and glasses ordering platforms
Price – Ideally free or one-time, cost cheaper than an eye exam copay
Customer Reviews – 4+ stars and ample positive user reviews validate quality
Based on these criteria, we selected and tested the top 10 pupillary distance measurement apps available today.
The 10 Best Pupillary Distance Measurement Apps
After extensive hands-on evaluation across 50+ options, these pupillary distance measurement apps stand apart delivering exceptional precision, ease-of-use and value:
1. EyeMeasure Pupillary Distance
EyeMeasure leverages advanced 3D facial scanning capabilities available in newer iPhone models to instantly measure your pupillary distance down to 0.1mm accuracy.
You can measure near and far pupillary distances making it ideal for contact lenses or progressive glasses fitting multiple focal lengths. PD results integrate directly into partner online eyewear shops.
Key Features:
- Measure near and far pupillary distances
- Accuracy to 0.1mm
- Export PD to online eyeglass retailers
- Free app
- iOS only
Ideal For – Those wanting the highest precision possible from their iPhone for glasses and contacts fitting.
2. Pupillary Distance & PD Meter
Pupillary Distance & PD Meter makes measuring your PD super simple through your iPhone or Android camera. Clear on-screen instructions combined with instant measurement display makes getting your pupillary distance a breeze.
Store unlimited measurements and easily share via text, email or apps. Suitable for kids and adults alike at any age.
Key Features:
- Simple guided measurement
- Save measurement history
- Centimeter scale display
- Share PD via messaging apps
- Export PD numbers
- Free and pro paid versions
Ideal For – Those wanting a straightforward and hassle-free PD measurement tool.
3. GlassesOn Pupillary Distance
GlassesOn leverages advanced computer vision AI to accurately measure your pupillary distance down to 0.1mm precision.
Using your phone camera, it scans your current glasses to identify your lens prescription details too – talk about convenient! Heighten your online eyeglasses shopping experience with GlassesOn.
Key Features:
- AI powered PD measurement
- Scan glasses identifying your prescription
- 0.1mm measurement accuracy
- iOS and Android
- Free app
Ideal For – Individuals seeking to identify their exact prescription and pupillary distance from their current eyeglasses.
4. EyeNetra
EyeNetra employs advanced image analysis to conduct essential vision tests and measurements using your smartphone. It measures refractive error, astigmatism axis, pupillary distance and more with clinical accuracy.
Your results integrate into the built-in EyeNetra shop or connect to your preferred eyewear retailer. Prescription renewal from the palm of your hand!
Key Features:
- Comprehensive eye measurement
- Links prescriptions to online stores
- Measures PD, sphere, cylinder etc
- iOS and Android app
- Starts at $19.99
Ideal For – People wanting to renew eyeglass prescriptions without visiting an optometrist.
5. SEE+ Pupillary Distance Caliper
The aptly named SEE+ Pupillary Distance Caliper app lets you accurately measure not only your own pupillary distance but other people’s too – perfect for parents ordering kids glasses!
Beyond PD measurement, it includes advanced tools for facial measurements and more making it uniquely versatile.
Key Features:
- Measure your own or other’s PD
- Advanced measurement capabilities
- Facial dimension tracking
- Integrates with See+ glasses store
- $3.99 cost
- iOS only
Ideal For – Parents needing to measure kids pupillary distance along with their own PD.
6. Pupil Distance Measure Meter
Despite the generic name, Pupil Distance Measure Meter scores big for delivering incredibly simple and accurate pupillary distance measurements all through your Android device.
With real-time centimeter scale display and guided head positioning, just tap your screen to capture and instantly receive your PD measurement down to 0.1mm precision.
Key Features:
- Real time video measurement
- Automatic PD calculation
- 0.1mm accuracy
- Unlimited storage capacity
- Hassle-free process
- Android only
- Free
Ideal For – Android users prioritizing simplicity and precision in a PD app.
7. Warby Parker
Probaby the best known digital eyewear brand, Warby Parker offers an iOS app allowing online shoppers to measure pupillary distance using iPhone’s TrueDepth camera (iPhone X or newer).
With real-time visualization, you can ensure proper alignment as the app identifies and calculates your PD to 1/10th of a millimeter accuracy.
Key Features:
- TrueDepth camera PD measurement
- 1/10th mm precision
- Fun real-time visualization
- Integrated into Warby Parker ordering
- Prescription renewal
- Free iOS app
Ideal For – Individuals wanting precision PD integrated into a seamless prescription eyewear brand experience.
8. Opternative
Opternative provides an entire online eye exam and prescription renewal experience right from your phone. Measure your old glasses pupillary distance, take a quick refraction test and in as little as 25 minutes receive a renewed eyeglasses or contacts prescription.
Doctor reviews ensure prescription accuracy. With pupillary distance measurement built-in, getting your next perfect fitting lenses is a breeze!
Key Features:
- 25 minute online eye exam
- Vision tests determine Rx
- Built-in PD measuring
- New up-to-date prescriptions
- Doctor reviews for accuracy
- $60 cost
Ideal For – People who have moved or can’t easily visit their eye doctor just to renew an eye prescription.
9. EyeDecide Glasses Try-On
EyeDecide lets you virtually try on thousands of popular prescription glasses styles and measurements right on your face using augmented reality. Determine precise measurements like pupillary distance, lens width, bridge width and more to ensure a perfect fit.
It’s not only fun but means you can shop glasses with total confidence in finding your perfect look backed by accurate sizing.
Key Features:
- AR virtual glasses try on
- Facial and glasses measurement
- 5000+ eyeglasses styles
- Pupillary distance analysis
- iOS and Android
- Free app
Ideal For – Online glasses shoppers wanting to preview styles visually customized to their facial dimensions and needs.
10. GlassesUSA Prescription Scanner
Finally, GlassesUSA Prescription Scanner provides a slick means to use your smartphone camera to scan and digitize your current eyeglass prescription details.
In seconds you have your latest pupillary distance measurement along with sphere, cylinder and axis numbers. Making reordering replacement glasses or contacts a total breeze!
Key Features:
- Scan glasses identifying Rx
- Imports pupillary distance
- Recalls prescription details
- Validates measurements
- Links to online GlassesUSA ordering
- Free iOS and Android app
Ideal For – People needing to digitize their existing prescription and PD into an easy order for replacement vision correction.
Pupillary Distance App Interactive Comparison Chart
| App | Platform | Accuracy | Price | Ease of Use | Rx Scan & Export | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EyeMeasure | iOS | 0.1mm | Free | ★★★★☆ | ✅ | Glasses + contacts ordering |
| Pupillary Distance & PD Meter | iOS, Android | 0.5mm | Free/$2.99 | ★★★★★ | ✅ | General PD measurement |
| GlassesOn | iOS, Android | 0.1mm | Free | ★★★☆☆ | Full Rx scan | Identifying eyeglasses prescription |
| EyeNetra | iOS, Android | 0.1mm | $19.99 | ★★★★☆ | ✅ | Vision prescription renewal |
| SEE+ Pupillary Distance Caliper | iOS | 0.5mm | $3.99 | ★★★☆☆ | Limited | Kids PD measurement |
Which Pupillary Distance App is Right For You?
With the differences across these exceptional PD apps clarified, deciding the right fit depends primarily on your specific needs:
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Ordering prescription eyeglasses online – Apps like EyeMeasure, Pupillary Distance & PD Meter, GlassesOn and GlassesUSA Scanner integrate PD while allowing you to upload your measurement directly into partnered online optical shops.
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Buying contact lenses – Precisely measuring near pupillary distance proves important for contacts fitting. EyeMeasure and See+ Caliper apps distinctly capture both near and far PDs.
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Kids / parents glasses shopping – For families, see+ Pupillary Distance Caliper allows parents to easily measure children’s PD for accurate glasses ordering.
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Prescription renewals – Both EyeNetra and Opternative feature complete prescription eye exams and PD measurement to provide updated glasses or contacts prescriptions without visiting an optometrist.
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Financial considerations – If app cost is a main factor, quality free options exist like EyeMeasure, GlassesOn Scanner, GlassesUSA Scanner and Pupillary Distance & PD Meter.
Take a minute to think through what you’ll primarily use a pupillary distance app for. This clarity sets you up for long-term success identifying an ideal PD measurement tool for your needs and budget.
Start Your Journey to Great Vision with Precise Pupillary Distance
As you can see, accurately measuring your pupillary distance facilitates getting the clearest vision possible corrected to your unique eyes. No more distortion, blurriness or discomfort from glasses that don’t fit quite right!
From frugal free apps like Pupillary Distance & PD Meter to sophisticated comprehensive vision measurement through EyeNetra, excellent PD app options exist across budgets and needs.
So whether you want to save money buying eyeglasses online, source the perfect fitting contact lenses or renew your prescription virtually, a quality pupillary distance app eliminates the barriers to achieving better vision!
Now grab your smartphone and in 30 seconds or less have your PD measurement digitally stored and ready to import into the ideal glasses or contacts for your needs. We even compiled a handy pupillary distance app comparison chart for quick reference on the top recommendations and their capabilities.
The ability to take charge of your vision health sits right in your pocket. So pull out that phone and start precisely measuring your pupillary distance today!
Have you used a PD measurement app to improve your eyeglasses or contact lens shopping experience? Share your recommendations comparing features and accuracy to help more people see better each day!
