How to Fix Foggy Glasses?

How to fix foggy glasses

How to Fix Foggy Glasses?

How to Fix Foggy Glasses? Is a question that is so 2020. In California masks are now required for leaving the house in order to prevent further spread of Covid 19. For many who wear eyewear the curse of masks and foggy glasses is now even more of a daily phenomenon. An early summer survey in the UK revealed that almost 25% of those who chose not to wear masks did so because of the inconvenience and discomfort of glasses fog up. With masks now more critical than ever and the remedy for foggy glasses is important, timely and actually quite simple to achieve.

So why do glasses fog up? 

Condensation forms on eye glass lenses when warm breath escapes through the top of a mask and cannot escape. On days when there is a breeze outside foggy glasses do not appear to be a thing. Similarly in well ventilated buildings or under fans, the warm breath is dispersed before it can build up on the lenses. On days when there is no breeze and perhaps after exercise when one is breathing hard, the condensation builds quickly and is hard to disperse. This fog can be annoying and inconvenient at the very least but in some cases it can be hazardous if not addressed.

Remedy for Foggy Glasses.

SoCal Eye believes that the remedy for Foggy Glasses is often quite simple and easy. Glasses and lenses can, however, be costly and it is important to recognize what works and what should not be done so as to prevent damage to glasses, lenses and lens coatings.

  Dish Soap

The simple dish soap and water solution has been around since well before Covid 19. In 2011 this remedy was recorded in the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons (UK) as front line doctors sought to solve the bane of Foggy Glasses.  “Immediately before wearing a face mask, wash the spectacles (eye glasses) with soapy water and shake off the excess…. let the spectacles air dry or gently dry off the lenses with a soft tissue (Kleenex) before putting them back on. Now the spectacle lenses should not mist up when the face mask is worn.”

The soap creates a thin surfactant layer over the lenses and reduces the surface tension so when the warm breath hits the lenses it will not condense. The solution is temporary but effective and may require the process to be repeated a few times per day.

 Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is also considered to be remedy for foggy glasses. This solution works in the same way as dish soap in creating a film over the lenses. Lightly rub shaving cream onto the lenses and rinse with water and allow to dry.

 Anti-Fog Spray

Anti fog sprays are available in most optical stores (Including SoCal Eye’s Optical Store) or sporting goods stores. These are products that have been recommended for defogging swimmer’s goggles and masks for years. A quick spray and let it dry and the fog is gone. This is a again a temporary but effective solution

 Mask Fitting

How to prevent foggy glasses is sometimes as easy as buying the right mask. Given that the condensation is caused by warm breath escaping from the top of the mask, the solution may lie in the selection of a mask with a better design. Some masks come with a metal nose clip that can be shaped to the contour of the nose creating a better seal with the face. This means that less molist air can escape.

 Kleenex in the Mask

The addition of a Kleenex to the inside of a mask can provide an additional absorbent layer. Fold the Kleenex and place towards the top of the mask. The Kleenex will retain more of the moisture from the breath and reduce the amount of moisture that can escape.

 Is it time to consider Lasik?

How to fix foggy glasses once and for all? A recent NBC survey in San Diego noted that in light of the on-going discomfort and dissatisfaction with foggy glasses, many eye glass wearers were investigating LASIK for the first time. This of course is a permanent solution and will liberate the user from ever having to worry about foggy glasses again. See SoCal Eye’s FAQs on Lasik to see if Corrective Laser Eye Surgery is right for you.

Things Not to Do. 

Even though Dish Soap and Shaving Cream are effective solutions, here is a list of items not to use to prevent foggy glasses.

  • Don’t use toothpaste– The gritty bits can scratch the lenses
  • Don’t spit on your lenses– It’s not hygienic and a lens cleanser works better.
  • Don’t rinse eyeglasses in hot water – It can damage the lenses. Use lukewarm water instead.
  • Don’t use household cleaners– Products such as glass spray, vinegar, and ammonia should not be used on glasses as these will interfere with any lens coatings that are applied.

Summary. 

How to prevent Foggy glasses in conjunction with wearing a face mask is unfortunately a new reality for many. Good cleaning with the right products and a well-fitting mask will work wonders in restoring clear vision and the end of foggy glasses.

SoCal Eye. Ophthalmology Long Beach 

SoCal Eye is an Ophthalmology group made up of leading eye doctors in Long Beach, CA. The group is one of the longest standing and most trusted ophthalmology practices in the nation. We provide a complete line of comprehensive eye care, including cataract and implant surgery, LASIK and refractive surgery, and treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, pterygium (surfer’s eye), and diabetes. We also offer facial cosmetic treatments and surgery. The group operates out of 2 clinics in Lakewood and Los Alamitos. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Call us at the numbers below or schedule online:

LAKEWOOD
(562) 531-2020

LOS ALAMITOS
(562) 598-7728

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