As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, so too will the need to wear masks. For those who wear glasses, that also means learning how best to prevent your glasses from fogging up while out and about. However, there are ways to make it work so you can see clearly while wearing a mask.

Why Do Glasses Fog When You Wear a Mask?

Your glasses fog up when your mask pushes your warm breath up to your cold lenses. The contrasting temperatures create condensation, or what glasses wearers commonly call fog.

As the weather gets colder, this problem will only increase since your glasses will fog up when you leave a hot car or building in winter as usual. And as temperatures reach higher extremes, so too will the amount of fog that collects on your glasses.

If you find yourself constantly taking off your glasses or readjusting your mask due to the fog effect, try out the following solutions:

1. Move Up Your Mask

One of the simplest ways to reduce glasses fog is by wearing your mask higher up on your nose. You can weigh down the bridge of the mask by placing your glasses on top of the mask. This strategy works because your glasses then act as a seal, preventing your breath from flowing up to your lenses.

2. Buy Masks with Bendable Nose Bridges

To create an even better seal, invest in masks that have a bendable nose bridge. There are plenty of options for inexpensive masks with wires or other bridges to choose from. These masks are ideal for glasses-wearers since the bridge helps contour the mask to your face.

3. Tape it Down

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a mask with a nose bridge handy, you can DIY one using various items from your first aid kit. Medical tape can safely and securely keep your mask flush against your face. You can also use a bandaid if you don’t have medical tape on hand.

Using your adhesive of choice, you can tether down your mask to the bridge of your nose. While it may feel less comfortable than a mask with a bridge, it’ll work just as well if you need to leave the house and your glasses keep fogging up.

4. Good Old-fashioned Soap and Water

The same tricks you use to prevent glasses from fogging up in the winter can be used to avoid fog caused by your mask. One of the most straightforward methods is using soap and water. Wet your lenses and apply a generous layer of soup. Then, rinse them with warm water and dry them with a clean towel or your glasses cloth.

This method works because soap reduces surface tension on your lenses. That means the water molecules from your breath won’t disperse onto your lenses. You’ll need to repeat this process once a day before putting your mask on to prevent fogging.

5. Try Lense Defogging Spray

The defogging spray also prevents fogging without you needing to wash your glasses. Sprays may contain different substances, but they all work to stop water from your breath from collecting on your lenses. As such, they work similarly to soap and water to prevent fog.

6. Update Your Glasses

If you’ve had the same glasses for a long time or need a new prescription anyway, pick your new pair with weaning a mask in mind. Changing your lens and frame combination can prevent fogging while wearing a mask or any other scenario that fogs up your lens. If you’re on the hunt for new glasses, consider the following:

  • Buy glasses with bigger lenses and with thicker, heavier frames that can weigh your mask down if you follow the first tip.
  • Make sure you have the right glasses for your face shape to ensure a snug fit.
  • Buy a pair with an anti-fog lens coating.

If you’re social distancing or simply don’t want to leave your home, there are plenty of online options for buying new glasses. Often, these sites have more frame varieties, more lens upgrade options, and lower prices. You can browse mens glasses and womens glasses here and order a pair with your unique persecution.

Preventing Foggy Lenses

Foggy lenses are the bane of going out in public while wearing a mask for most glasses-wearers. Whether you chronically suffer from foggy lenses or if it’s a relatively new problem caused by masks, there are plenty of ways to keep your lenses clear. If you’re in the market for new glasses, make sure you find a combination of frames and lenses that will naturally prevent fogging.