Top Sunglass Shops In Denver

Colorado is known as much for its abundance of sunshine as for its great outdoors. With summer in full swing, it's imperative to protect your peepers. Besides making you look cool, sunglasses block UV rays from getting into your eyes and contributing to cataracts and macular degeneration. They also reduce glare and protect your eyes from dust and other eye irritants. Don't let the summer sun cause you to see spots. Whether you're looking for prescription shades, sporty shades or chic shades, there are plenty of stores to find them.

Designer Shades:
Summit Shade Sunglasses
500 16^th Street, Suite 267
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 573-6255
www.summitshade.com

Located in the Denver Pavilions, this store carries a wide selection of stylish shades from designers such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Oakley. Stop by Summit Shades if you have a penchant for designer eyewear. A locally owned business, the employees here know what trends are popular in the city. They can also help you choose the right pair of sunglasses for different occasions, from sports to lounging by the wave pool at Water World.

Related: Top Swimwear Shops in Denver

Polarized Sunglasses:
Optique of Denver
1580 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-3937
www.optiqueofdenver.com

If you're looking for prescription sunglasses or just a high quality pair with regular lenses, go to Optique of Denver. This LoDo boutique specializes in European eyewear, and with more than 700 frames to choose from, you're sure to find a pair to suit your personality. Optique is not your typical eye care specialist--it's hosts unique events like art shows and trunk shows for people who love glasses. As an added bonus, all of Optique of Denver's sunglasses contain polarized lenses, offering the maximum amount of UV protection for your eyes.

Prescription Eyewear:
Eyes of the World
1061 S. Gaylord St.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 282-5427
www.eyesofworld.com

Offering a full range of eye care services including exams, injury treatment and laser surgery, this boutique-style eye doctor also carries a wide range of sunglasses. Eyes of the World cares about the health of your eyes, and carries sunglasses that will protect against broad spectrum UV rays. The eye care specialists can help you find the perfect fit for optimal sun protection. Check out this boutique out if you want some prescription sunglasses or polarized shades. You can even get your eyes checked while you're at it.

Reduced glare-wear:
All Boards Sports
1750 30^th St.
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 415-1500
www.allboardssports.com

Whether you are a skateboarder or a snowboarder, you need sunglasses--not only for looks, but also because you're bound to be spending countless hours outside practicing your skills. Selling sporty styles by designers such as Oakley and Suncloud, All Boards Sports will help you find a pair to help you look stylish at the skatepark. The store's selection will also help to reduce glare from reflective surfaces, so you can concentrate on perfecting tricks and jumps rather than squinting in the bright light. All Boards Sports also offers wrap styles that won't fly off when you're riding a wall.

Related: Top Skateboarding Shops in Denver

Polycarbonate Lenses:
Performance Cycle
1990 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 744-2011
www.performancecycle.com

Performance Cycle is one of the largest motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel stores in Denver. In the summer (and in the winter, spring and fall, for that matter), many a cyclists can be found on Denver's highways, and sunglasses are an imperative part of any bike rider's routine. Offering a wide selection of sunglasses for men and women, this store is a great place to go to find comfortable, flexible glasses that will stay put as you ride. They also offer glasses with polycarbonate lenses that lighten and darken as lighting changes with the terrain.