If you wear glasses, you have probably noticed that lenses and face masks do not go hand-in-hand. Foggy lenses will have you fumbling for the correct payment method at the checkout line or constantly removing and wiping your glasses. You might feel like you have to choose between putting your health at risk and being able to see where you are going.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to stop glasses from fogging up. As vaccines roll out and we come out of the COVID pandemic, it is important to continue wearing face coverings. If you want to know how to do that without sacrificing your vision, follow the tips below.
What Causes Foggy Glasses?
Before we prescribe solutions, it is worth examining what causes fogging glasses in the first place.
Water consists of molecules. In vapor form, these molecules are moving very fast and far apart. Cooler temperatures cause these molecules to slow down and stick together.
When you are wearing a facemask, your warm breath escapes from the top of the covering. It interacts with your cooler lenses, which causes them to cloud up.
Some of your breath condenses, creating moisture. That is why you may often experience your glasses slipping down your nose, in addition to fogging.
To keep your lenses from fogging up, it is a matter of blocking the vapor molecules from condensing. Try these eight tricks to help minimize this dynamic.
1. Adjust Your Glasses
A simple fix to stop glasses from fogging is to push them further down your nose. This creates greater space between your lenses and face. That means there is less room for the water vapor molecules to circulate and condense on your glasses.
2. Wear Contact Lenses
If you often wear contact lenses, in place of glasses, you might consider doing so on days when you are going out to stores or work. This is not an option for everyone, but with a little foresight, it is a fool-proof way to stop fog on glasses.
3. Block the Air
This may sound like an unusual solution and will also look strange, but securing tissue to the top of a mask will keep glasses from fogging. The fabric will catch any warm breath escaping the top of your mask. And moistening the tissue a bit will make it even more effective in attracting the water vapor molecules.
4. Find the Right Mask
You have learned by now that not all masks are created equal. A proper mask should fit snugly against the contours of your cheeks and nose. This will limit the amount of warm breath from jetting upwards and fogging your glasses.
There are a variety of face masks available now, and most are quite affordable. If you find that your current mask doesn’t fit, try another one.
You also should select a mask with a built-in flexible strip, known as a “nose bridge.” These make it easy to adjust the mask securely around your nose. Most surgical masks have these built-in.
Having a well-fitting mask also will increase protection against COVID or other viruses and germs. So, it’s a good health precaution to take, in addition to keeping your lenses from fogging.
5. Secure Your Mask
Even if your mask fits well, you may be wearing it too loosely. Be sure to tighten the straps so that it is pressed firmly against your face.
But you can take further steps to secure your mask around your nose. One simple way is to move the mask up your nose a bit and place your glasses on top of it. The glasses will act as a clamp, reducing the amount of space your breath has to escape.
Another solution is to place a small piece of tape on the top of the mask’s edge. Stationary or standard masking tape will work best. These are strong enough to create a seal but will not be painful to remove.
6. Wash Your Glasses
The presence of soap can stop the water vapor molecules from sticking together on your lenses’ surface. Washing your glasses with soap and water will help create a thin film. You don’t need any specialty product; regular hand or dish soap will work.
If this does not do the trick, try rubbing a very small drop of soap on your lenses and then wipe them clean. With either method, be sure to dry your lenses with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching them.
7. Anti-Fog Solutions
You can purchase anti-fog solutions and wipes for your lenses. They work the same way as soap but are easier to apply and there is no cleanup. They also are handy for carrying around in your vehicle, purse, or bag.
These products are available online and in certain stores. They are essential for scuba divers. So, if you have a scuba shop near you, they will almost certainly carry these solutions.
8. Anti-Fog Lenses
Anti fog for glasses is becoming a popular option when purchasing prescription lenses. It is the best long-term solution to stop glasses from fogging up.
These specialty lenses are made of polycarbonate. They have surfaces that naturally prevent water vapor molecules from accumulating. And they eliminate the need to apply other products or find other fixes to your glasses fogging up.
Stop Glasses From Fogging
Now that you know how to stop glasses from fogging, you can continue to wear your mask in public. You can remain safe while seeing where you are going and what you are doing.
We hope this information was useful to you. Be sure to check out some of our other posts on style, beauty, and many other topics.
