With Covid-19 came a wave of frustrations, the least of which could be argued by some to be foggy glasses while wearing a mask. But for those of us who have relinquished ourselves to eyeglasses for choice or no, find foggy glasses a problem at times even without wearing a mask! And now that masks are mandatory the world over, its past time to share some helpful tips for reducing foggy glasses!
The following are a list of tips proven to help combat fogging glasses:
- Close the gap on surgical masks — mould the nose bridge at the top of your surgical mask to your face to reduce the gap that allows warm moist air up to the glasses.
- De-misting spray — you can use a commercial de-misting spray that dries clear. But make sure this is compatible with your lens type or existing coatings on your lens. You can buy demisting spray online or from your optometrist.
- Twist ties and pipe cleaners — if you make your own cloth mask, add a twist tie (for instance, from a loaf of bread) or pipe cleaner to the top seam of your homemade mask and mould that to your nose for the same effect.
- Soap and water — wash your glasses with soap and water (such as regular washing up liquid), then dry them with a microfiber cloth. This type of cloth typically comes free with each pair of glasses. You can also buy cheap microfiber cloths from most optometrists. Facial tissues may leave lint, which attracts moisture to the lenses. Soap reduces surface tension, preventing fog from sticking to the lenses.
- Shaving foam — apply a thin layer of shaving cream to the inside of your glasses, then gently wipe it off. The residual shaving cream will protect the lenses from misting up.
- Tape — some health professionals apply a strip of tape that’s specially designed for use on skin to the top edge of the mask to close the gap. You can buy a roll online or at the pharmacy.
- Damp tissue — slightly moistening a tissue, folding it and placing it under the top edge of the mask also does the trick.
- Nylon stocking — You can also get a snug fit across the cheeks and bridge of the nose by wearing a layer of nylon stocking over a face mask.
- Wear Glasses on top of mask — simply put, placing your glasses over your mask will help decrease fog, but for many mask styles this isn’t always possible.
Sadly, there is no magic trick, such as putting the mask or glasses on first that will stop fogging. Improving the fit around the curve of the nose and cheeks is the best approach.
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Source: theconversation.com