How to Prevent Foggy Eyeglasses When Wearing a Mask

If you wear eyeglasses, one consequence when wearing a mask is having your lenses fog up. But there are simple solutions that can help you be fog-free. 

Why eyeglasses fog

When warm air hits a cool surface, condensation can form. Think of how the bathroom mirror fogs up when you take a shower, or how your glasses will fog up when you walk into a warm building after being out in the cold. The same is true when you wear a mask. If it’s cold and your breath leaks through the top of your mask, your lenses can get foggy, especially if your mask isn’t tight and you go from outside to indoors where it’s warmer.

Ways to clear the fog

There are multiple ways to fight back against foggy specs, including:

The right fit

Make sure your mask fits securely over your nose to prevent your breath from leaking up to your glasses. Masks with a nose bridge can help keep warm air from exiting up to your glasses. One easy trick is to place a folded tissue between your mouth and the mask to absorb the warm air and prevent it from reaching your glasses. You can also try resting your glasses over the top of your face mask so you have a tighter seal.     

Good old soap and water

By washing your glasses with soapy water and allowing them to air dry or gently drying them with a soft cloth, you can create a thin film on your glasses that acts as a fog barrier. Just make sure you don’t have any special coatings on your lenses that could be ruined by soap and water.

Try tape

Using sports or medical tape, you can try taping your mask down around the bridge of your nose to prevent your breath from reaching your glasses.

Antifog spray 

There are a variety of over-the-counter products available that work by creating a thin film of chemicals on your lenses that prevents fog from forming. These sprays and wipes are available at most drug stores.

Learn how Care Partners of Connecticut HMO and PPO members save on eyewear!