Reading a report

Near vs distance PD: what do the labels mean?

Clinically reviewed

An eyePD educational guide. Clinically reviewed October 6, 2026. Ownership & editorial policy

A fictional adult wearing glasses, looking across a park toward a far-away building. — Distance: looking far away.

A fictional adult wearing glasses and reading a physical book held close up. — Near: reading / close work.

These are different people and tasks, not the same person's measurements or a way to convert distance PD to near PD. Illustration only. Not a ruler or measurement.

AI-generated examples. New instructional images: clinical review pending.

Distance PD is for seeing far away. You may also see it called far PD. Near PD is for seeing close up. Keep each number with its label. This is a different question from whether your report gives one number or one for each eye.

Distance and near describe the viewing task

Distance PD is a measurement for seeing far away. Near PD is a measurement for seeing something close up. Studies measure these two conditions separately. Do not treat the two labels as if they mean the same thing.

Sources for this section

Source: Journal of Optometry, Gantz and colleagues, 2021 (opens in new tab)

Keep the label attached to the value

If your report has both a distance number and a near number, keep each number with its own heading. Do not guess that a number is the near one just because it looks smaller. Do not subtract a fixed amount to turn one number into the other.

If the report just says “PD” with no other label, ask the practice that gave it to you which viewing condition it is for. If an order form is not clear, ask the retailer what it needs for the lenses you want.

Read the label and the task

These two made-up examples are separate. They are not a pair to convert, and they are not a recommendation.

Made-up example. Do not use these numbers to order glasses.
Labeled for distance
Sample report text: Distance PD: 63 mm
This number is labeled for distance, or far-away viewing.
Made-up example. Do not use these numbers to order glasses.
Near, with a stated viewing distance
Sample report text: Near PD: 60 mm at 40 cm
40 cm is the stated viewing distance in this sample. It is not a default for every person or task.

What about progressive lenses?

Multifocal lenses have more than one viewing range. PD is only part of the details needed to fit them. Lens height and other measurements can matter too. What is needed depends on the lens design and how the frame sits. A PD number alone does not show that a progressive lens order has all the fitting details it needs.

Sources for this section

Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists (opens in new tab)

A useful question to ask

“Is this measurement for distance or near, and is it the measurement required for these lenses?”

An adult calling an eye care practice with a paper record ready on the desk. — Ask the practice what the labels mean and what measurements are on file.

What to ask before ordering

Is this number for distance or near?
Does the near measurement state a working distance?
Does the retailer need other fitting details for these lenses?

Can I work out near PD by subtracting a fixed amount?

Do not use a fixed subtraction as a personal measurement here. Ask which near measurement and viewing distance are needed for your lenses.

Page metadata and navigation updated October 24, 2026. This is not a new clinical review. Editorial policy and review scope

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