Five Tips: How to Wear a Mask and Not Fog Your Glasses

How to Wear a Mask and Not Fog Your Glasses (Photo – Kristoffer Trolle)

Wearing a face mask can have an unpleasant visual consequence for those who wear glasses.

By Garrett Rowlan

One’s vision can become fogged. Fortunately, there are solutions:

1- According to a 2011 study from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, if you wash the glasses in soapy water and dry with soft tissue or a cotton cloth or air dry, this leaves a thin film that prevents the condensation of air mist.

2- Others have reported that putting some shaving cream on the lenses and wiping them dry can have the same effect.

3- Another solution is to put a tissue at the top of your mask, just under the edge of your nose. The tissue traps exhaled air and pushes it out to the side.

4- Adjusting the metal bands at the top of the mask (if you are fortunate enough to have a medical mask) can make an effective seal.

5- If you have a homemade mask, straighten a medium paper clip, crimp the ends to round them, and enclose the paper clip horizontally in bit of cloth sewn at the top center of the mask.  Form the clip to your nose when the mask is in place.