Those that wear glasses are well aware of the complications that come with wearing a mask. You’ve likely struggled with your glasses fogging up as a result of wearing your mask, and the colder temperatures outside have only worsened this issue.
Why does it happen?
The cause for the fogging of your glasses is simple: your glasses are not as warm as your breath, and as a result of your warm breath being forced up your mask your glasses are fogging up.
The heat coming out of your mouth is so hot that this has been an issue for the majority of the year, but the even cooler temperatures outside are making your glasses even cooler than before. As a result, fogging is likely to be a bigger problem in the winter months.
What can you do about it?
Because the fog is caused by heat from your mouth exiting the top of your mask onto your glasses, the primary cause is a leakage at the top of your mask. To prevent hot air from leaking out the top of your mask be sure to wear a mask with a nose bridge (the metal folding piece that you bend over your nose).
It’s common to see this nose bridge in disposable masks, but they may not be in all of your fabric masks. Additionally, you can try pulling your mask up higher on your nose and placing the nose piece of your glasses over your mask to better hold your mask down to your glasses.
What about treating my glasses?
A popular recommendation online is to purchase or make a spray to treat your glasses. Keeping in mind how expensive glasses can be, it’s important to be very cautious when it comes to what products you apply to your glasses.
With that said, there are “anti-fog” sprays you can purchase but pay close attention to the reviews on these products.
There is also a strategy that first gained popularity in 2011, that works by mixing non-lotion dish soap and water to apply to your glasses. While this method was published in a medical journal, it does leave you with variables that can cause permanent damage to your glasses. If you choose to try this method you will want to pay very close attention to the soap you use and the temperature of the water.