Why glasses fog up and how to fix it

Why glasses fog up

The reason is the temperature difference. In winter, the surface of the lenses cools down outside, and when you enter the room, moisture from the air settles on them in the form of small drops - condensate. The same thing will happen if in the cold the warm air that you exhale gets on the windows or if you bow your head over a pot of hot liquid.

How to protect glasses from condensation

The most reliable way is to put lenses with a hydrophobic coating in the frame. It makes the surface of the glass smoother and water droplets do not linger on it. Such lenses are more expensive than ordinary ones, but they do not have to be processed and rubbed with anything.

If you do not plan to change glasses, try protecting the glasses from condensate on one's own. Here's how.

By special means

In optics, one can find hydrophobic compounds in the form sprays or eyeglass wipes soaked in them. These agents are also called antifogs or antifoggers. They create a thin invisible film on the surface that repels moisture. Before leaving the house, you need to wipe the glasses from dirt and dust, spray a little antifog, evenly distribute it over the lenses and leave it to dry completely. You will have to repeat the procedure regularly.

This solution is suitable for any glasses: sunglasses, for vision, for swimming and other sports.

improvised means

Plus antiphoga — in its safety for the lenses. If you want to use an alternative, first check to see if your glasses have a special coating (such as oleophobic or UV resistant) that can be affected by home remedies. These specifications are usually listed on the lens manufacturer's website.

If you did not find any restrictions, treat the glasses with ordinary liquid soap, mild shampoo or dishwashing detergent. Apply a couple of drops to the cleaned lenses and use a cotton pad to spread a thin layer. Leave the glasses to dry completely, then wipe them well with a soft, lint-free cloth. Instead of liquid soap, you can take a piece of solid. Rub it on the glass, and then carefully polish them with a napkin.

For the best result, the treatment will also have to be repeated before each exit from the house.

What means are better not to use

The Internet often advises other available options for replacing special tools. Most commonly referred to as toothpaste, glycerin and cleaning spray automotive glass. We would not recommend using anything from this list. There are abrasives in toothpaste that easily scratch lenses, glycerin is difficult to rub evenly and without streaks on glass, and car sprays are usually too aggressive.

What else can help

These tips will come in handy for prevention.

• Don't touch the lenses. Oily fingerprints and other contaminants increase the formation of condensation, so try to avoid touching the glasses less often and do not forget to wipe your glasses regularly with special wipes. But you should not use your clothes or ordinary towels for this purpose. Coarse fibers can damage lenses.
• Keep your glasses in the case only. Drops of moisture also cling to small scratches, so be sure to use a protective accessory.
• Move your glasses up to your nose. The closer the glasses are to the face, the more they fog up. Move the goggles a little further up your nose to allow air to circulate freely. If they fall off in this position, look at the frames that will hold on more securely.