Polycarbonate has very good impact resistance and tensile strength. But it
has the worst optics of any material commonly used for glasses. The poor
optical properties of polycarb are manifested in excessive chromatic
aberration, but can also affect off-axis distance vision.

However, keep in mind that all PAL designs are compromises of some sort, and
the Varilux Panamic has a reputation for less than stellar off-axis distance
vision (although it excels in other areas). I wear the Panamics in 1.60
plastic, and the off-axis distance vision is not a big problem for me, even
though some other designs may be better in this one respect (but not
necessarily better over-all).

If you are still able to get a remake or refund (usually PALs have a 30 day
adaptation and/or remake warranty) then I would strongly consider Trivex
material, which has about the same safety properties as polycarb, but much
better optics. Trivex is not as light or thin as polycarb, but with your
moderate Rx this should not be a problem, especially since you used to
glass.

There are only two companies in the US who are licensed to use Trivex under
their own trade name:

- Hoya Phoenix, which you can get with their ECP PAL's
- Younger Image

I believe that the Hoya ECP PAL design has a better reputation as a premium
PAL design than the Younger product, but not everyone may agree with that.

http://www.hoyaopticallabs.com/phoenix.htm
http://www.hoyaopticallabs.com/hoyalux_summit.htm

If you have to have polycarb, then the high end Rodenstock's may be a better
choice for you, since many think they do have better off-axis distance
vision. But be prepared to pay for these.

The high cost of PAL's is partly due to the fact that many remakes and
refunds are necessary, and the manufacturer bears the cost of this (usually
not your optician), so don't be shy about asking for something different.