Beat Foggy Glasses: Tips To See Clearly With a Face Mask

Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to protect yourself from germs — and it’s also a kind and compassionate step to take when you’re sick, so you don’t pass a bug on to someone else.

However, wearing your mask with your glasses can be inconvenient. The top of your mask can fog up your lenses, which is annoying at best and risky at worst. It’s a major issue if you’re driving or doing anything else that requires clear vision for safety.

Thankfully, you don’t have to switch to contact lenses to stop your eyeglasses from fogging up when you’re wearing a mask — adjusting the fit or picking a new mask is a solid place to start, but you can also take it a step further with more in-depth measures.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about beating foggy glasses when wearing a mask.

Why Do Glasses Fog Up When You’re Wearing a Mask?

When you’re breathing underneath a mask, some of the air you exhale escapes and spreads to the top of the mask. The surface of your glasses is colder than the inside of your mask, so when that warm air hits your lenses, the result is a thin layer of condensation.

That fog will be thicker if you wear a mask that isn’t tight enough, and it might be even more of a problem if you don’t put your mask on correctly. Remember, it needs to go all the way over your nose.

How Can You Prevent Foggy Glasses?

The best way to prevent your glasses from fogging up while wearing a mask is to adjust the fit of both your glasses and your mask. If your mask doesn't fit properly, you can generally grab a replacement without breaking the bank — even a high-quality mask tends to be pretty affordable.

Other tips can also help, including using anti-fog products or making a seal inside your mask. Let’s examine all of the best ways to address this common problem.

Adjust the Fit of Your Mask

A loose-fitting mask is one of the main reasons why the lenses of your glasses get foggy… but what can you do about it? Some masks are more adjustable than others, but you can usually make some changes to the way your mask fits.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by making a small loop with each strap. This technique tightens your mask and seals air inside, stopping it from escaping toward your glasses.

However, this DIY method sometimes makes your mask too tight, which can be uncomfortable. Experiment with different loops to find one that feels right.

Try a Different Mask

If the strap looping method doesn't work, it’s time to get a new face mask. Look for one that fits snugly onto the bridge of your nose to keep some of that airflow away from your eyewear.

Additionally, see if you can find a face covering with adjustable nose pads. These are much easier to mold to the shape of your face and can be a solid line of defense against fogging glasses.

Try Anti-Fog Sprays and Wipes

If humid, hot air makes foggy lenses a constant problem for you, anti-fog wipes and sprays can help.

These products coat your glasses in a thin film that blocks condensation from the wearer’s glasses. Sprays can be more reliable, as anti-fog wipes sometimes leave residue on your specs.

When you need a quick solution and don’t have any anti-fog products, soap and water can help. When you wash your lenses with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, you can create a protective film that lasts a little while, stopping condensation from resting on your lenses.

Consider Higher-Quality Lenses

Some glasses come with built-in protection from fog, glare, and scratches. If you live in a humid area, wear a mask at work, or just want to say goodbye to foggy lenses for good, consider upgrading to prescription glasses with more durable lenses. It’s worth the investment.

Change How You Breathe

Breathing heavily through your mouth is one of the most common causes of foggy lenses while wearing a face mask.

Mouth breathing isn’t good for you in general, but it’s a common problem many people struggle with. Anyone can break the habit, though — all it takes is a bit of mindfulness and intentionality.

If you’re constantly congested, and that’s what’s causing you to breathe through your mouth, it’s worth exploring some potential causes of your chronic stuffiness. Seasonal allergies, cold weather, and stress can all cause a persistent stuffy nose, which can keep up the vicious cycle of foggy lenses.

Once you know how to relieve congestion, de-fogging your glasses will be much easier.

Experiment With Different Mask Materials

A more lightweight, breathable mask tends to feel more comfortable and produces less fog on your lenses.

Materials like bamboo and silk are winners in that department. Masks made from these materials can be more expensive, but they’re also washable and reusable, making them much better for the environment.

If you’re having trouble with masks in general, a last resort could be double masking. This is a safe, practical way to improve the fit of your mask(s) and provide an extra buffer against germs.

How To Keep Your Glasses Clean and Fog-Free

Glasses that are clean and in good shape are less likely to fog up. That’s because, as the lenses on a pair of glasses wear down, they can lose their protective coating and become more sensitive to condensation.

Maintaining and cleaning your glasses daily takes some time, but it’s the best way to prevent fog, scratches, and other issues. Regular cleaning and scratch prevention are the most important daily eyewear care practices.

You only need a clean microfiber cloth, gentle soap, and warm water to give your glasses a basic clean. You can also use lens cleaner if you prefer, but we’re fans of using items you already have around the house. You can try a powered ultrasonic cleaner or disposable lens cleaning wipes for a more thorough cleaning.

As for scratches, they can be hard to avoid. Still, you can take steps to make them less likely to happen. The most important rule to follow is to be careful. Your glasses are essential to your life, so they deserve some care.

You can lower your risk of scratching and breaking your specs by putting them in a case when you’re not wearing them, staying away from dust and debris, and cleaning them regularly.

What if You Don’t Want To Wear a Mask?

We get it: Foggy glasses are annoying — but let us make a case for keeping your mask on instead of ditching it altogether.

A mask protects you and others from the spread of germs, which is enough reason to put one on when necessary. In light of the recent pandemic, masks have become an accepted part of life when you’re feeling sick.

While foggy glasses are frustrating, that irritation doesn’t compare to how miserable and risky a serious illness can be.

However, bear in mind that mask regulations have lifted, which means it’s ultimately up to you whether or not you want to wear one. Our best recommendation is to wear a mask if you’re sick or have been exposed to someone ill. While slightly inconvenient, it can be a selfless act that is kind to others.

Stay Fog-Free With Pair

While we wish it weren’t the case, there’s no way to avoid foggy glasses altogether, especially when wearing a mask. What you can do, though, is invest in high-quality, stylish eyewear with built-in protection against fog, scratches, and more.

Our glasses are made from durable, long-lasting materials and come in styles ranging from timeless to modern. What makes our frames one-of-a-kind is our magnetic Top Frames. These unique frames are designed for ultra-easy use and attach seamlessly to your Base Frames for a new look.

What are you waiting for? See your eye doctor, get your prescription, and bring it to Pair for your best pair yet.

If you’re tired of your glasses getting foggy, scratched, or broken, we’re here to help. Switch to Pair for fantastic eyewear that withstands a fast-paced lifestyle.

Sources:

Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention | CDC

Community Respirators and Masks | CDC

What doctors wish patients knew about double masking | American Medical Association

Mouth Breathing: What It Is, Complications & Treatments | Cleveland Clinic