Costa

Costa Del Mar eyewear isn’t just an accessory you grab on the way out the door. They’re high-performance eyewear built for people who spend real time outdoors, and Dr. Melissa McCulley has made sure McCulley Optix Gallery carries the styles that hold up to that kind of use.

For lake days, fishing trips, and long stretches behind the wheel, the need for genuine sun protection is crucial. Our team pairs that outdoor-ready performance with the kind of fitting expertise you’d expect from a full-service optical practice.

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The Costa Collection

Here’s a closer look at what sets the Costa Del Mar lineup apart: the materials in the frame, the technology in the lens, and the fit that ties it all together.

Heritage & Craftsmanship

Costa’s history began in the Florida Keys, where anglers needed sunglasses tough enough for sun and saltwater, and that heritage still shapes every frame. Costa uses premium materials like acetate, titanium, and lightweight metal alloys for frames that resist corrosion and hold their shape for years. Some styles even repurpose discarded fishing nets, turned into plastic pellets remolded into new frames.

Style Range

Costa offers frame styles for every face and every activity. Classic aviators and wayfarers bring timeless style to daily wear, while oversized frames add extra coverage for a bolder look. Sport-inspired frames sit close to the face, and many include sweat management channels that route moisture away from your eyes during fishing or boating. Each shape is built to hold up well past a single season.

Lens Technology & Protection

Costa Del Mar lenses use cutting-edge technology built for the water. Polarized sunglasses cut glare, and the brand’s color-enhancing 580^® lens technology filters yellow light and absorbs blue light for sharper contrast. Every lens meets the 100% UVA and UVB protection standard for full UV protection. Choose your lens material: a 580 Plastic Lens or 580 polarized glass with encapsulated mirrors and ultra-thin material, then finish with colors like blue mirror polarized and a shaped lens curve for a secure frame fit.

Prescription Options

Many Costa Del Mar frames are Rx-ready, so you don’t have to trade performance for clear vision. These frames work well as prescription sunglasses or everyday prescription glasses, including progressive lens designs, without changing the fit you expect from Costa. Your prescription is confirmed during a comprehensive eye exam, then matched to the Costa frame and lens options that fit your needs. You get reliable vision correction and outdoor protection in one pair.

Fit Guidance

The right frame fit makes all the difference in comfort and performance. Our team helps match Costa frames to your face shape, so your sunglasses sit securely and look their best. Many styles include adjustable nose pads for a custom fit that stays put during activity. Not sure where to start? Take our personalized glasses survey to narrow down styles before your visit even begins.

How Polarized Lenses Cut Glare and Sharpen Your Vision

Glare happens when sunlight hits a flat surface like water, wet pavement, or a windshield and concentrates into a bright, horizontal band of light. Your eyes work harder to filter that light out on their own, which is part of why a long day on the water or the road can leave you feeling worn out even without any obvious eye strain. A standard tinted lens just dims everything evenly, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a polarized lens works differently. A built-in filter blocks that horizontal glare specifically, so your eyes get real relief instead of a slightly darker version of the same problem.

That difference shows up in practical ways. Anglers get a clearer look beneath the surface of the water, boaters spot hazards and changes in depth sooner, and drivers pick up wet roads or oncoming glare with less squinting. Reduced glare also means sharper contrast and better depth perception, both of which support quicker reaction time in moments where a split second matters. Costa builds every pair with that kind of outdoor performance in mind, not just comfort.

Meet Dr. Melissa McCulley

Dr. Melissa McCulley, a Fargo native, brings years of clinical expertise and a genuine passion for personalized eye care to McCulley Optix Gallery. After completing her undergraduate studies at Boston College and earning her Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Southern College of Optometry, she spent four years practicing in Minneapolis, specializing in specialty contact lenses and low vision care. She returned home to Fargo to build a practice centered on patient-focused care and exceptional eyewear.

Dr. McCulley’s attention to detail extends to every pair of Costa sunglasses she recommends. She takes the time to understand your lifestyle and vision care needs, ensuring your sunglasses protect your eyes as well as they suit your style. Her recognition as a CooperVision Best Practices Honoree reflects her ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care. Learn more about our practice.

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Our Eyewear Fitting Process, Step by Step

Talking Through Your Time Outdoors

Your eyewear fitting starts with a real conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. McCulley or a member of her team asks about your outdoor activities, style preferences, and any vision correction needs you may have. This conversation shapes every recommendation that follows, so nothing about your pick feels like a guess. You can schedule your visit online whenever it’s convenient for you.

Matching You to the Right Style

Once we understand your needs, we narrow the Costa lineup down to frames and lens types suited to your activities and face shape. We factor in polarization, UV protection, and photochromic options, along with prescription compatibility if you need corrective lenses. Dr. McCulley personally reviews each recommendation to make sure it matches both your vision needs and your everyday style on and off the water.

Fitting Your Frames to You

With your shortlist in place, our team fits your new Costa frames, checking the bridge, temple length, and overall balance for a secure feel. We watch how each pair sits during movement, not just in a mirror, since your sunglasses need to stay put on the water or the trail. We make sure everything is dialed in and comfortable before you leave.

Keeping Your Sunglasses in Top Shape

We walk you through simple steps to keep your sunglasses performing their best for years to come. This includes proper cleaning methods for polarized and photochromic lenses, along with rinsing habits that help remove salt or sunscreen residue after a day outdoors. We also cover safe storage, since a hard case does more to protect your investment than a pocket or a bag ever will.

Making Sure the Fit Still Feels Right

After you’ve had time to wear your new Costa sunglasses, we welcome you back for a quick fit check. Dr. McCulley or a team member can make small adjustments as needed, especially if your frames have loosened with regular use. We’re always available to answer questions or help you explore additional styles for different activities and destinations.

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Ready for your next day on the water?

Picture your next morning out there: glare gone, colors sharper, and everything below the surface finally easy to see. Dr. Melissa McCulley and the McCulley Optix Gallery team are ready to help you find the Costa pair that makes that picture real. Tag us in your next catch on Instagram or Facebook, send a quick question through our contact page, or just go ahead and book your fitting. Living in the Fargo area? You may visit our optical shop in person instead!

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FAQs

Are Costa sunglasses good for fishing and boating?

Costa Del Mar sunglasses are designed with anglers and boaters in mind, combining polarized lenses with frames built to handle sun, wind, and saltwater spray. The brand’s 580 lens technology also sharpens contrast on the water, making it easier to spot structure, fish, and changes in water depth. That combination of durability and visual clarity is why Costa has become a go-to brand for people who spend serious time on the water.

Do Costa frames hold up in saltwater?

Yes, Costa frames use materials like titanium, stainless steel, and marine-grade nylon designed to resist corrosion from saltwater exposure. Rinsing your frames with fresh water after a day on the boat helps remove salt residue before it can affect the hinges or finish. With that small habit, Costa frames are built to handle repeated exposure to sun, spray, and humidity without breaking down.

What lens color should I choose for water activities?

Lens color affects how you see contrast and depth on the water, so the right choice depends on the conditions you’re usually in. Gray lenses reduce brightness without shifting color, blue mirror polarized lenses work well in open water and bright sun, and copper or amber tones boost contrast in low light or on cloudy days. Our team can walk you through which Costa lens color fits your typical time outdoors.

Are Costa Del Mar sunglasses covered under warranty?

Costa sunglasses come with manufacturer coverage for defects in materials and workmanship, though the exact terms depend on the current warranty policy in place. Normal wear, accidental damage, and loss typically fall outside of standard coverage. Our team at McCulley Optix Gallery can check your specific pair, walk you through your payment and coverage options, and help with next steps if something needs attention or repair.

Can Costa sunglasses stay secure during water activities?

Many Costa frames are designed with a secure, snug fit that holds up during active movement on a boat or in the water. Some styles also use lightweight materials that help the frame float or stay easier to recover if they come off. Our team can point you toward styles built for a more active day on the water during your fitting.