in one aspect , the invention is directed to a multifocal ophthalmic lens having a first region having first focal properties , and a second region having second focal properties and including a progressive region . the second region may further include , for example , a portion that is a reading region . the second region has two side edges and there are first and second transition regions between the first region and the side edges of the second region . the transition regions each have a width that is less than a selected width . this gives the lens designer more freedom to provide a wider second region without extending into lower left and lower right regions of the lens .