I checked my new specs against my old ones and the new lenses are several mm deeper, so that probably acounts for the larger reading area, but I have found that the side to side focus is more restricted than my old ones, hence a lot more side to side head turning whilst driving. My problem with normal distance specs is that when I'm driving, I can't see the dashboard instruments. Interesting thread ,this, I'm making a note of all the questions I need to ask the optician next time I need new specs. In the mean time I'll keep on nodding. 8)