How wide of reading area in progressives?

**plum** · 08-02-2006, 10:11 AM

I posted on this forum last night, and I guess the post was too long for most readers to wade through. So I'll ask a short question:

In progressive lenses (Varilux Panemic), in the reading area, how wide should your area of vision be? Should you be able to glance down at a paperback book, about 5" wide, and be able to read it without turning your head from side to side?

In the glasses I just got, my reading area is about 2.5" wide. To read a paperback, I have to turn my head to three different areas just to scan across a page.

They are going to re-make these. But I wanted to know what is a reasonable expectation? How will I know if they are "correct"?

**Bill Mahnke** · 08-02-2006, 10:32 AM

You really should have a much wide field of view than you describe. Perhaps the dispenser or their lab has made a fitting mistake and that of course will be corrected.

In the industry we have number of progressives lenses with wider reading areas than Panamic. Varilux is the best advertised and marketed lens products in the industry. Sometimes chain stores only buy from a limited number of vendors to get a better price.

Next time you might consider trying an independent dispenser who is free to order the best lens for your visual needs....