Sunglasses That Protect as Well as They Look

Sunglasses are a fashion statement, but their first job is protection. Ultraviolet exposure adds up over a lifetime, and sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later on. Every pair in our boutique offers full UV protection, whether it is a sporty wraparound or a luxury acetate frame.

That matters year-round in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Summer light on the lake, winter glare off snow, and the long commute into Scranton on a bright road all send UV and reflected light into your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses is the simplest daily habit for protecting them.

A tint simply darkens the lens, which makes bright days more comfortable and gives the frame its character. Polarization does something more specific: it filters the reflected glare that bounces off water, snow and pavement. The result is noticeably sharper, calmer vision, and less of the squinting, headaches and eye strain that reflective surfaces cause. Anglers, boaters, skiers and anyone who drives a lot tend to feel the difference immediately.

Two things to know: polarized lenses should still be 100% UV-blocking, so always confirm both, and polarization can make some LCD screens — a dashboard display, a phone at certain angles — look dark. Our specialists will help you decide whether polarized, tinted, or a mix of both suits how you spend your time outdoors.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, prescription sunglasses are worth serious thought. Pairing non-prescription sunglasses with contacts means wearing lenses for long hours in the sun, and contact lens overuse can lead to dryness, irritation and a higher risk of infection. Contacts also cannot go in the pool. Prescription sunglasses correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism while protecting your eyes, so you can swim, play, drive and relax outdoors with clear vision and nothing on your eye.

Nearly any frame in the boutique can be made with your prescription — single vision, bifocal or progressive — with polarized, tinted or impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Clip-ons are another option for a frame you already own, and photochromic lenses that darken outdoors and clear indoors suit patients who want one pair that does both.

Performance sunglasses are built for the visual demands of active people: lightweight, durable materials, wraparound designs that block light from the sides, and rubberized grips that stay put through sweat and motion. Whether you are running, cycling, skiing or on the water, they deliver serious sun protection without getting in the way.

The boutique carries Maui Jim, known for polarized lenses with exceptional color and clarity, along with Costa, Oakley, Revo and Nike. Each can be fitted with your prescription.

For sunglasses that are as much about style as sun, the collection spans Gucci, Prada, Dior, Tom Ford, Versace and Celine, alongside timeless classics from Ray-Ban and Persol. Bold oversized silhouettes, slim metal aviators, tortoise acetate — our specialists will help you find the shape and color that suits your face, and every one of them can carry your prescription.

Children spend more time outdoors in direct sun than most adults, so they need protection even more. Wide lenses shield both the eye and the delicate skin around it, and starting the habit young pays off for a lifetime. We offer children’s prescription and polarized sunglasses, and photochromic lenses are a practical choice for kids who already wear glasses — one pair, no switching, nothing to misplace.

Stop into either boutique to try on sunglasses in person, or pair a fitting with your next eye exam. Call Old Forge at 570-451-2020 or Clarks Summit at 570-585-0000, or request an appointment online.