In mid-April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a strong recommendation that all Americans wear face masks or other types of similar face coverings when in public. Because COVID-19 can be spread when an infected person is asymptomatic, this new course is intended to provide an additional strategy to protect people from infection.
People who wear eyeglasses have noticed it is common for their eyewear to fog when wearing masks. Here are 4 useful tips glasses wearers can follow to address the fogging issue.
1. Make a Mask Form-Fitting
A primary way in which you can prevent glasses from fogging is by making your mask form-fitting. You can accomplish this by adding a pipe cleaner to the top of a self-made fabric facemask.
This allows you the ability to snugly adjust the mask at the bridge of your nose, lessening the chance of fogging.
2. Wash Eyeglasses in Soap and Water
Another recommendation to prevent fogging is to wash your eyeglasses in soap and water. Allow them to air dry. This process leaves a protective film on the glasses that lessens the odds of fogging.
Before taking this tactic, you need to make sure that it will not damage any anti-glare feature or other addition to your glasses.
3. Improve the Airflow through Your Mask
A main reason why glasses fog up when wearing a facemask is because airflow is restricted. You can lessen the odds of fogging if you use thinner fabric in making your facemask.
You do need to keep in mind that you don’t want to use fabric that is so thin that it essentially defeats the objective of using a mask in the first place.
4. Tighten the Mask
A face mask that fits appropriately prevents air or breath from escaping through the top. (This manner of air discharge is what can cause fogging of eyeglasses.)
Breath should discharge through and not above or around the fabric. You can accomplish this tightening of a facemask by adjusting the ear loops or the ties so that the mask fits more tightly or snugly on your face. Nor only does this lessen the odds of fogging, it also enhances the overall safety of a facemask.
We’re Here for Other Vision Issues As Well
We hope these tips help you safely wear a mask with minimal interference to your glasses and vision. If you have other non-emergency eye or vision issues, you can schedule a telemedicine consultation with an eye doctor at Matossian Eye Associates. We know that your eye care needs haven’t disappeared during this challenging time. With telehealth, you can get the quality eye care you need – without leaving home.
You can schedule a telemedicine consultation with an eye doctor at a time convenient for you by calling (800) 708-8800, or click here to request an appointment online.
