Normal Interpupillary Distance Values in an Iranian Population

PURPOSE: To report normal interpupillary distance (IPD) values in different age groups of an Iranian population. METHODS: This study was performed on 1,500 randomly selected subjects from 3,260 consecutive out-patients with refractive errors referred to Farabi Eye Hospital, Isfahan, Iran over a period of two years (2008 to 2010). Measurement of refractive errors and IPD for far distance were performed using an autorefractometer (RMA-3000 autorefractometer, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS: Mean IPD in adult subjects was 61.1±3.5 mm in women and 63.6±3.9 mm in men (p<0.001). Mean IPD increased 4.8 mm during the second decade, 1.7 mm during the third decade, and 0.6 mm during the fourth and fifth decades of life. CONCLUSION: The observed increase in IPD after the age of 30 years indicates that factors other than skeletal growth may affect this parameter.