If you wear glasses and a face mask, you’ve likely experienced “mask fog”—the annoying fogging of your lenses that requires constant wiping throughout the day. Below are a few strategies to help you prevent fogging glasses when wearing a mask.
Why Do Glasses Fog Up?
Simply put, condensation forms when warm, moist air hits a cool surface. Your glasses fog up because your mask directs your warm breath upward, instead of out in front of you. While this is great for preventing virus transmission, it’s a challenge for anyone who wears eyeglasses.
Is Your Mask Well-Fitted?
A properly fitted mask is key. The mask should fit snugly over your nose. Ideally, wear a mask with a nose bridge or one that can be molded to your face. When the mask fits properly, most of your breath will go through the mask rather than escaping out the top or sides.
Use Your Glasses To Seal the Top of Your Mask
This trick works best with large, thick eyewear frames. By pulling your mask up higher on your nose and placing the lower part of your eyeglasses on the mask, you can get a snug fit that blocks your warm breath from escaping upward toward your lenses.
Tape Your Mask to Your Face
Secure your mask across the bridge of your nose and the top of your cheeks with tape. Use easy-to-remove tape, such as adhesive or medical tape (avoid duct tape). This will prevent your breath from escaping and fogging up your glasses.
Soap and Water Help Prevent Fogging
A simple trick that healthcare professionals often use is soap and water. Take a drop of dish soap (avoid soaps with lotions) and rub both sides of your lenses, then buff with a soft microfiber cloth. This creates a thin film of soap that acts as a barrier, helping prevent fogging.
Anti-Fog Wipes and Sprays
If you prefer a ready-made solution, you can buy anti-fog wipes or sprays. However, check the instructions, as some products may not work well with lenses that have special coatings (like anti-glare or fingerprint-resistant coatings).
For more advice on keeping your eyeglasses from fogging while wearing a mask, contact Eyes On Group in Worcester today!