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Eyeglasses Fogging Up?

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Tips from our Toronto on what to do, and what not to do

Foggy eyeglasses have always been a pesky problem, and wearing masks has made this nuisance a whole lot worse. Why do glasses fog up? How can you wear a mask and still enjoy clear vision for working, shopping or just getting through the day? Your eye doctor near me in Toronto, Ontario shares helpful advice that works.

The science behind foggy eyeglasses

The process is pretty simple. Condensation (tiny drops of liquid) generally forms whenever warm air hits a cool surface. All eyeglasses wearers are familiar with this phenomenon in the winter, when walking into a warm building from the cold outdoors. The same reaction happens when you put on a mask. Warm breath escapes through the opening at the top of the mask and makes contact with your glasses lenses. Fog is the result.

How to wear masks and fight fog

Wipe with soap and water

Soapy water and a soft cloth will often do the trick. Wash your lenses with soapy water and give them a shake to get rid of the excess liquid. Let your eyeglasses air dry, or wipe them with a soft cloth before putting them back on your face. The soap leaves a thin film that functions as a barrier against fog.

Disclaimer: Check with your optician first to make sure your eyeglasses don’t have a special lens coating that could get ruined by this hack.

Get the right fit

Masks need to fit securely over the nose. When you’re wearing eyeglasses, a mask that has a nose bridge that can be shaped to fit the face is ideal. It will prevent warm air from exiting up to your lenses. If you prefer home-made masks, you can enhance the fit by sewing a twist-tie or pipe cleaner into the top, creating a strip that can be molded more closely to your face.

Seal your mask with your frames

Changing the way you wear your face gear may help. Pull your mask higher on your nose and use your eyeglasses to seal the top edge, shaping it to your face. This secure fit will block warm air from exiting the top of your mask.

If you need a “fix it and forget it” method of sealing your mask, try using surgical tape to attach your mask to the bridge of your nose and cheeks. Only use tape intended as a skin adhesive, and if you have sensitive skin, test this out in advance to make sure it doesn’t irritate you.

Spritz anti-fog spray

A variety of anti-fog sprays are on the market. Stop by our Toronto optical store near me to pick up a bottle. To find the right type for you, consult with our optician about any protective coatings you may have on your eyeglasses lenses.

What not to do in your fight against fog

In the wake of Covid-19, tips and advice about this contemporary problem are plentiful. Yet, not all of them should be put in practice! Our eye doctor warns against the following anti-fog actions:

  • Don’t use toothpaste on your eyeglasses, as the gritty bits can scratch your lenses.
  • Don’t rub your glasses with a potato. This is advice that may have helped your grandpa years ago with the windshield of his car, but it’s not a good idea for your eyeglasses.
  • Don’t spit on your lenses (seriously, it’s just gross). Use a certified lens cleaner instead.
  • Don’t rinse eyeglasses in damaging hot water; lukewarm water is as heated as it should get.
  • Don’t use household cleaners, like glass spray, vinegar or ammonia, on lens treatments.

To enjoy clear vision, stop by Corktown Eyecare in Toronto, Ontario , anytime! We offer anti-fog spray and other solutions to optimize your vision.

At Corktown Eyecare, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 647-694-7600 or book an appointment online to see one of our Toronto eye doctors.

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