This article was co-authored by David Felsted, DO. Dr. David Felsted is a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist based in Flagstaff, Arizona. He specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, ophthalmic lasers, dry eye disease, diabetic retinopathy, and ocular trauma. Dr. Felsted holds a BS in Accounting from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University. He completed his Ophthalmic residency at The Medical College of Georgia.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you’ve ever experienced your glasses fogging up after a change in temperature, then you know how frustrating it can be when suddenly you can't see. More than simply an annoyance, foggy glasses may also create a safety hazard if it occurs while driving or operating machinery. Thankfully, using special products, household items, or just by making simple adjustments, you can help keep your glasses fog-free so you are able to see with clarity.
Steps
Protecting Your Lenses
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1Purchase an anti-fog product to treat your glasses at home. Many companies manufacture products specifically designed to prevent glasses from fogging. These are either a spray or gel and, when applied directly to your lens, will reduce fog by forming a barrier that protects against moisture condensing.[1]
- Most products require you to spray both sides of the lens, let dry, and wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Some products suggest longer dry times, while others require the spray or gel be rinsed off prior to wiping. Check product packaging for specific instructions.
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2Purchase anti-fog wipes for on-the-go protection. These pre-treated cloths are convenient and easy to use. Simply wipe both sides of the lens using the pre-packaged wipe. These wipes are made for only one use, so just throw it away when you're finished.[2]Advertisement
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3Invest in a professional anti-fog treatment for a longer lasting solution. Check with your eye doctor about the availability and cost of applying a one-time coating to your lenses to permanently prevent fog. This option may be particularly useful when there are drastic and/or frequent temperature changes or if the fog creates a safety hazard.[3]
- Be prepared to leave your glasses for a few days and spend between $50-$100.[4]
Using Household Items to Prevent Fog
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1Apply shaving cream to your lenses to create a protective barrier. Before going out in the cold weather, blot a small amount of shaving cream to both sides of your lenses and rub in. Let the shaving cream dry before gently removing residue with a soft, dry cloth.[5]
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2Rub bar soap on your lenses to create a clear, protective layer. Apply a small amount, let dry, and gently remove residue with a soft, dry cloth. The soap works just as the shaving cream does and will leave your lenses clear and fog-free.[6]
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3Apply water to your lenses if you're in a bind! Simply run warm water over both sides of your lenses and wipe them off with a soft, dry cloth. This can also help you get rid of any dust and debris on your lenses.[7]
Making Simple Adjustments
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1Pull your glasses away from your face. Your glasses trap heat and moisture when too close to your face or eyes, which increases the incidence of fog build up. Try moving your glasses further down your nose to allow for more air circulation and less fog.[8]
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2Check to make sure your clothing isn't obstructing the air flow. Items like scarves and high-collared coats can trap moisture and push it upwards, leading to fogging. Also, wearing lots of layers can increase your body temperature and perspiration, which may also contribute to your glasses fogging up.
- If you can’t avoid wearing this type of clothing, try unzipping your coat or letting your scarf hang open to allow for more air flow. Alternatively, try tucking the clothing under your chin so your breath can flow outward instead of up.
- If your glasses fog up because you're wearing a mask, tape the top of the mask to the bridge of your nose.[9]
- During exercise, try using a sweatband to soak up sweat and reduce perspiration.
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3Avoid storing your glasses in the cold weather. Putting cold glasses on a warm body makes for an even bigger fog effect with temperature change. Instead, keep your glasses inside the house (instead of your car) to help reduce fogging when you move from warm to cold spaces.
References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-glasses-fog-free-while-wearing-a-mask/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-glasses-fog-free-while-wearing-a-mask/
- ↑ http://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/coatings.htm
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/eyeglass-stores/how-to-get-the-best-eyeglass-lenses/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/glasses-fog-wearing-mask-coronavirus.html
- ↑ https://www.allaboutvision.com/coronavirus/avoid-foggy-glasses-face-mask/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/08/how-to-take-care-of-your-eyeglasses/index.htm
- ↑ https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2015/08/01/Clear-the-Fog-to-Decrease-Eye-Injuries.aspx?Page=2
- ↑ David Felsted, DO. Comprehensive Ophthalmologist. Expert Interview. 12 August 2021.
About This Article
While foggy glasses can be an annoyance, there are simple solutions to keeping your vision clear. Before going out in cold weather, blot a small amount of shaving cream or bar soap on both sides of your lenses and rub it in to create a protective barrier. Let the shaving cream or soap dry before removing the residue with a soft, dry cloth. You can also try pulling your glasses farther away from your face since they trap heat and moisture when they’re too close to your eyes. If you’re in a real bind and need your glasses clear immediately, try spitting on both sides and gently rubbing it in. Only use this method if you have no other way to keep your glasses clear since the oils from your mouth could harm your lenses. To learn how to use an anti-fog spray to keep your glasses clear, keep reading!
