Prevent Foggy Glasses Syndrome

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends all Americans wear face masks and coverings any time they are in the public domain. And while this is a critical step in preventing the transmission of coronavirus for public health, it can also pose a bit of a challenge for those of us who wear eyeglasses daily: You may notice when covering your face appropriately, it can cause your lenses to fog up considerably. Why does this happen, and what can you do to avoid it? Here, we share 6 simple and effective ways to continue to wear your mask faithfully while also still keeping your vision clear.

Why do my glasses fog up when I wear a mask?

The science is relatively obvious behind why we fog-up when we wear a mask: As we breathe, the warm air we emit escapes from the top of the mask and lands on the cooler lenses of our glasses. This, in effect, creates condensation (otherwise known as fog). It happens anytime we wear anything that covers our mouth (e.g., a scarf in the winter) or when we’re met head-on with a heat source like opening our oven door.

1. Improve the fit

Many medical masks on the market feature a flexible metal strip on the nose that allows the wearer to bend and shape the mask to ensure it fits your face effectively. If you have a homemade mask, make sure you adjust your mask’s straps or ear loops. Alternatively, for even more caution, you can also tape your mask to prevent foggy glasses. To DIY, tape your mask across the bridge of your nose and across your cheeks. Any tape will do (medical, adhesive, or athletic) just make sure to test it on your skin ahead of time to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation.

2. Use your glasses to seal the top of your mask

If you can pull your mask up higher on your nose, you can use your glasses to seal it and shape it to your face. All you have to do is place your glasses right on the top of the material that’s over your nose and ensure they don’t slide off. The secure fit will also keep warm air from escaping through the top of the mask.

3. Use soap and water

Just before wearing a face mask, wash your eyeglasses with soapy water, shake off the excess and allow them to air-dry or gently wipe them off with a soft cloth. The soapy water actually leaves behind a translucent “film” that protects the lens and prevents them from fogging up. Called the “surfactant effect,” it is actually used in many different everyday scenarios as an antifogging solution; think scuba masks and ski goggles.

4. Shop for a solution

There are certain wipes and sprays on the market designed specifically to tackle the foggy glasses situation. Before trying one out, make sure you read the ingredients lists to ensure you won’t cause damage to any of the protective coatings on your lenses. Search for consumer product reviews online to make sure you’re making the right decision.

5. Get started with contact lenses

The advantages of contact lenses are widely known: they allow for a natural field of view because they move with your eye, plus you will not catch a glimpse of a frame in your peripheral vision. And unlike glasses, they won’t fog up, they don’t get water on them in the rain, and they give you the freedom to lead an active lifestyle. While contact lenses are a more convenient alternative to glasses, there are certain factors to consider before you make the leap. Our new wearer guide, ACUVUE® LensAssist, offers quick answers to the most common questions. Your eye care professional can also help you find which contact lenses are right for you and your lifestyle.

6. Consider LASIK surgery

Outside of the current situation with COVID-19, wearing eyeglasses in everyday life can feel a bit tiresome, too. LASIK is a safe and trusted laser surgery procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or mixed visual irregularities due to an abnormal curve in the cornea (astigmatism). It’s painless and takes just minutes to treat both eyes. All good things. Millions of people around the world have reaped the benefits of clearer vision and the freedom of being glass-free. Investing in LASIK could mean more easily enjoying everyday activities.

Lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses.

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are only available by prescription for vision correction as a daily wear lens with two-week recommended replacement. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020 or visit Acuvue.com

It is important to talk to your eye doctor about the safety aspects of the LASIK procedure. LASIK is a procedure with potential risks and may not be suitable for everyone. 

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