How much distance area above fitting point?
This is something I've been wondering about. I don't wear progressives myself so it's hard for me to judge. I fit Hoya Summits and Lifestyles. Average fitting heights of 21-25 in frame heights of 34-39mm (minimum B is 34mm).
I always aim for at least 12mm between the top of the frame and the fitting cross. 12mm still makes me uncomfortable because it seems so cramped. 14-15mm seems ideal to me.
If possible I adjust the frame. If a low-sitting frame can't be adjusted, my fitting depends on the corridor:
- Long corridor: always center pupil, at least 12mm distance area. 14-15mm is optimal. If I have less than 12mm I inform the client about this. Less than 10mm is no sale.
- Short corridor: at least 13mm because of the faster progression. Sometimes I fit up to 2mm below pupil center to get closer to 14-15mm above fitting cross.
I get that some people can tolerate only 10-11mm of distance area but this seems incredibly limiting to me. I don't think you could even fit a big screen TV in that area. Driving must be pretty difficult. Riding a bicycle even worse.
Any thoughts?