Depending on where you are in the world, it may be compulsory to wear a face mask due to COVID-19. For those of us who wear glasses, this means the impractical glasses/face mask combination of fogging, slipping and steaming. So how can we improve it? We’ve gathered some top tips to make this experience as comfortable as possible.
Why do glasses fog up when wearing a face mask?
Glasses fogging is a common problem when wearing a face mask. Simply because your breath escapes from the top of your mask, the warm air then touches the cool lenses, causing them to steam up - leaving you with cloudy vision.
The excess moisture around the glasses can also cause them to slip and become uncomfortable. So what are our options?
Keep your glasses clean
First things first, clean your glasses in the morning to remove any surface dirt and grease. (We provide a complimentary cleaning spray to our customers, this will be sure to help.)
Use Anti Fog products
Anti Fog cloths are available from Nikon, here’s how to use them:
Take out Nikons Anti Fog cloth from the zipper bag
Evenly rub the lenses with the cloth
Blow lightly and make sure the lens is not fogged
Replace and tightly seal the cloth in the bag provided
How to adapt your face mask to stop glasses steaming
There are no specific masks available to stop this problem. So instead, we have put together our top tips for a fog-free experience.
The tuck method
One good method in the fight against fogging is to ensure your glasses are not worn behind your mask. Instead, glasses should be placed on top of the mask, thus reducing the amount of moisture released and helping reduce fogging.
2. The tissue method
Folding some tissue and taping it inside the top of your mask can help when wearing for long periods of time. The tissue should catch the excess moisture, meaning less will escape, stopping your mask from steaming and slipping.
3. Stay snug
It is important to wear a tightly-fitted face mask. Not only does this offer more protection from air particles, but it also prevents too much moisture escaping and steaming up your lenses. There should be no big gaps for the air to escape around your mask - if this is the case you may want to opt for a smaller mask.
4. Stop them slipping
For slipping rather than steaming, this option may help. Instead of tucking the mask string behind your ears, wrap the string around the side of your glasses. This can help your glasses and mask be more secure.
5. Breathe downward
Although this one might seem slightly awkward, it can be a quick fix in a steamy situation. “How do I breathe downward?” I hear you say...so, place your upper lip over your bottom lip and breathe down rather than straight. Simple.
All of these tips can easily be incorporated into your mask-wearing routine. If you can’t find an option to suit you, you may want to think about trying contact lenses. Our friendly team are always on-hand to help and advise when necessary. If you’ve already made your decision, book an appointment today: