Mark,

(This is thread drift, but since we're all sitting at our computers using our eyes, I suppose it's probably helpful thread drift!)

I asked about traditional bifocals--because the narrow field of clear focus is what I've experienced with my current pair. The glasses I would order have no line, but are meant to have more focal area. The lenses the expensive place pushes are from Zeiss, are much closer to flat, and are meant for computer work. (They're about $160 for the lenses, which is lower than their estimate on a pair that is more or less a tri-focal, with, as you say, that narrow focal area right in the middle of the lens in front of the center of your eyeball). I didn't wear glasses at all until the last couple of years, so I hate the idea that I have to turn my head, not just move my eyes. That's why this type of lens was suggested.

The web site for this company, Rodenstock, isn't much to look at (ha!) but the bit on this page identifies what you're talking about. They're designed to have a wider viewing area than traditional bifocal lenses (as I said--I asked that question right off the bat. I need to be able to see better in the work I'm doing). This page offers a diagram of how the different bifocals look.

Now if I could just end up with such great cheekbones (click on the "examples" link) if I bought the frames they suggest! I'm sure the price is way up there.

SRS