Wearing a mask: how to avoid glasses fogging up

While wearing a mask tends to become widespread in France, people with glasses are faced with the formation of fog on their glasses. Soapy water, handkerchief folded horizontally… Here are some techniques for keeping glasses clean.

In order to fight against the spread of Covid-19 as well as a second wave, wearing a mask could become generalized in France, or even become compulsory in public spaces. A measure that would affect some more than others, like spectacle wearers. The reason: fogging.

Indeed, the mask directs most of the exhaled air upwards, where it comes into contact with the glasses. “Fogging occurs when hot water vapor condenses on the coldest lens surface and forms fine droplets that scatter light and reduce the lens’ ability to transmit contrast.”explain the authors of a article on the subject published in 2011 in the medical journal Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. How to avoid this phenomenon?

Wash your glasses with soapy water just before putting on your mask

The text offers an element of response. Just before putting on your mask, it is recommended to wash your glasses with soapy water then remove the excess before leaving them to dry in the open air or gently wipe the glasses with the help of a tissue.

If this technique has proven itself against fogging, it is because the soapy water leaves behind a thin film which spreads the water molecules evenly over the lenses. As the authors of the article point out, this method is frequently used to prevent fogging on all kinds of surfaces on a daily basis.

Position a folded handkerchief horizontally on the bridge of the nose

Nevertheless, there are other techniques to avoid fogging, in particular that of the paper handkerchief. It should be folded horizontally and then positioned between the face and the top of the mask. Thus arranged on the bridge of the nose, it absorbs the humidity rejected by breathing.

People who wear glasses can also turn to anti-fog sprays or gels. Finally, positioning your mask correctly is essential to minimize the formation of fog on your glasses. For example, it is advisable to pinch the small iron wire which is at the level of the bridge of the nose on the masks which have it.

Good practices essential to the effectiveness of the mask

In general, whether you wear glasses or not, the World Health Organization (WHO) recalls the appropriate gestures to use his mask correctly. So, you should wash your hands before putting it on. For it to be effective, it must cover the nose and mouth. “Be sure to fit it best on your face”, recommend the institution. Once the mask is worn, avoid touching it. “Every time you touch a used mask, wash your hands”says the WHO.

Similarly, a single-use mask should not be reused and, as soon as a mask gets wet, it should be replaced with a new one. To remove it, again, precautionary measures apply. “Take it off from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); throw it away immediately in a closed trash can; wash your hands with a hydroalcoholic solution or with soap and water”lists the institution.