By Aashish Mishra
Kathmandu, Aug. 14: Wearing face masks is compulsory when going out these days. But anyone who wears glasses will know that masks create a uniquely frustrating nuisance – fogging. As soon as you whip one across your face, your glasses become blurry.
“This is because our breath is warmer than the lens of our glasses,” explained Dr. Amit KC, member of the Nepalese Association of Optometrists and consultant optometrist at Lumbini Eye Care Centre in Rupandehi. “When warm vapour from our breath lands on the cold surface of our glasses, condensation occurs and our eyewear fogs up.”
Thankfully, a few simple things can help solve this problem and keep the specs fog-free.
Breathe downwards
Most people fiddle with their masks when their glasses fog up when all they need to do is exhale downwards. “People can try to direct the air down towards their chin. This will prevent the vapour from going up to our spectacles,” KC said. This might take some getting used to though.
Fit the mask well
Dr. KC suggests securing the mask around the nose, maybe with the help of tape, to prevent breath from escaping upwards. Moving the mask up the nose and resting the glasses on top of it can also help.
Use soap
Rubbing soap or baby shampoo on the glasses can also stop fogging. According to KC, this creates a thin film that prevents any vapour from settling. Shaving cream can also be used.
There is also something called a ‘swimmer’s remedy’ where professional swimmers wipe spit on their goggles before diving underwater to prevent it from fogging up. “But we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, so this remedy is highly discouraged,” KC said.
Commercial anti-fogging spray
Anti-fogging sprays are quick and easy solutions to all fogging problems, and they are readily available in the market. They are also perfectly safe to use and might only cause some irritation for those with sensitive eyes, Dr. KC said.
Anti-fog lens
Since COVID-19 has us wearing masks for most of our days right now, perhaps it is a nice time to invest in anti-fog lens. They can be useful considering the present situation and the need for face coverings.