Mask still fogging up your glasses? Try these tricks.

Most people who wear glasses were used to occasional foggy glasses pre-COVID-19, especially when walking into a warm environment after being out in the cold. But now that we’re wearing masks to combat the spread of COVID-19, most glasses wearers experience their glasses fogging every day.

It’s annoying, right? Fortunately, there are some techniques that can help you keep your lenses clear while wearing that important mask.

• Start with the mask. First, make sure the mask you’re wearing has a tight seal over the nose and fits appropriately. As you exhale, this can help to trap air from moving upward and hitting the glasses lenses.
• Tape it up. If you’re not wearing a mask that has a flexible nose piece, use medical tape or skin bandage over the bridge of the nose. To avoid any skin irritation, make sure the tape is approved for use on skin.
• Grab a tissue. Placing a folded tissue around the bridge of your nose, under your mask, can also trap air leaving as you exhale. Use this with tape to keep everything in place.
• Make sure your glasses fit properly. Glasses position can make all the difference for fogging and your vision. In general, we don’t recommend pushing glasses down your nose or away from your eyes. This can cause you to view through the wrong area of the glasses, leading to blurred vision. If you notice your glasses not fitting properly, visit your optician to adjust your frame for the best fit on your face.
• Add your own anti-fog layer to your lenses. The easiest way to do this is with simple dish soap and warm water (not hot as this can damage your lenses). Wash your hands, then run your glasses under warm water with traditional simple dish soap. Let the glasses air dry completely before wearing. This will leave a fog repellant film over your lenses for a short time.
• Don’t go DIY overboard. Avoid using any shaving cream, vinegar or other household items on your lenses. These products contain various ingredients and chemicals that could ruin or scratch you lenses.
• Beware of trendy solutions. There are many “anti-fog” products on the market now due to the demand of this daily problem. Some of these products can help, but I recommend you consult the optician where you had your glasses made to ensure that these products are safe for your lenses and any coatings on your lenses.

Above all, I urge you to keep trying until you find what works for you and your glasses. I know it can be a pain, but masks—despite their inconveniences—are still critical in the fight against COVID-19.

Stephanie Pisano is an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and an assistant professor in the Ohio State College of Medicine.