No one enjoys wearing masks everywhere. The best we may be able to manage is to tolerate it as a necessary part of life for the foreseeable future. But one thing we simply can’t abide is the fog that comes with the war on the coronavirus.
We’re talking about foggy eyeglasses. The fog that dogs everyone who wears glasses for reading, sun protection and everything in between. It is possible to have both a mask and glasses and a clear view of the world.
Why the fog?
First, why does fog happen? When warm air comes in contact with cool or cold, condensation often forms. You probably notice it on steamy summer days when you head out of an air-conditioned building into the heat, and your glasses become foggy. The same thing occurs when warm breath seeps from the top of your face mask and hits relatively cool eyeglasses. Fog!
We often can’t get around the mask requirement but there are a few things that help you get the fog outta here.
Get a snug mask fit. A mask doesn’t have to be tight; it just needs to fit securely against the bridge of your nose and your cheeks. A proper fit prevents air from escaping over the mask and into your glasses. Most paper masks include a bendable piece to allow for a custom fit around the nose. If you prefer a cloth mask, you may be able to adapt it for a closer fit by sewing a twist tie or short piece of pipe cleaner into the area that will rest on your nose.
If neither of these fitting tips works, try a piece of sports tape or medical tape to secure the edge. They’re strong enough to hold paper and light cloth, but not so sticky that removal will hurt.
Make your glasses work for you. Use the eyeglasses themselves to secure a better mask fit. Simply pull your mask high up on the bridge of your nose and rest your glasses on top. This has the added benefit of reducing the dreaded skin indentation at the end of the day.
“Seal” the glass with soap. Often, a simple wash with soap and water will reduce fog by creating a fog-fighting film over the lens. Just soap up the lenses and let the water air-dry (use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away water spots). CAUTION: If you have special prescription lens coatings, check with your eye doctor to make sure soapy water won’t damage the coating.
Shop around. Your local drugstore or grocery may have special lens wipes or cleaning sprays with an anti-fogging formula. Before you buy, make sure the ingredients are compatible with any special lens coatings.
Of course, the most reliable way to avoid foggy glasses is not wearing glasses at all. We don’t necessarily recommend this, because we still recommend you wear UV-blocking sunglasses when you head outside. For everything else in life, it may be time to book an eye exam and explore LASIK surgery and other permanent vision correction options. A qualified ophthalmologist can help you determine if you are a candidate and what procedures may be right for you.
Want to rely less on glasses? Ask Matossian Eye Associates about your vision correction options. You can schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at your convenience by calling us at (800) 708-8800 or through our website at MatossianEye.com.
