How to Keep Safety Glasses From Fogging Up

How to Keep Safety Glasses From Fogging Up

No matter where you are, and no matter what project you're working on, few things are more frustrating than fogging safety glasses. To have the precious gift of sight inhibited by this pesky natural phenomenon can be downright infuriating. 

Safety glasses fog because of a buildup of water vapor (tiny droplets of water) on the surface of the lenses. If you'd like to know more about the science of fogging safety glasses, keep reading. Otherwise, here are some practical tips to keep your safety glasses from fogging up. 

How to Keep Safety Glasses From Fogging Up

Let’s get this straight: fogging is a natural process. There’s a certain threshold of water vapor buildup that no solution can overcome to completely avoid fogging lenses. In other words, there are environments that cause an excess buildup of water vapor that no anti-fog solution can overcome.

But there are some steps you can (and should) take to slow the buildup of this fog-causing water vapor--even in these humid environments.
Fogging Safety Glasses

Wash Your Safety Glasses in Soapy Water

Washing your safety glasses can slow the buildup of fog-causing water vapor. Researchers point out that the thin layer of soap left behind after gently rinsing and patting your glasses dry can act as a temporary fog barrier.   

Polish Your Lenses With a Little Bit of Shaving Cream 

Yep, the stuff sitting in your shower or under your bathroom sink. Like soap, a thin layer of shaving cream can act as a temporary barrier to repel moisture—ultimately acting as an impromptu anti-fog coating. 

Use Anti-fog Spray

Commercially available anti-fog sprays can help temporarily prevent fogging safety glass lenses. These topical coatings form an invisible layer that can slow the buildup of water vapor on your lenses. However, they will require frequent reapplication, as the chemicals break down throughout the day. 

Try Edge’s Vapor Shield Anti-fog Safety Glasses

Instead of a topical coating, like the other solutions mentioned, Vapor Shield anti-fog technology is infused into the lenses during the manufacturing process. This semi-permanent anti-fog technology helps inhibit the buildup of water vapor from condensation, ambient humidity and steam. With proper care, Vapor Shield can last for years, not days. And properly caring for our anti-fog safety glasses is as easy as it comes. All you need is a bit of water and a soft cloth or one of our microfiber bags—not the harsh chemicals or coatings that other lenses require. 

Man Keeping Safety Glasses From Fogging Up

The Science Behind Fogging Lenses

Put simply, fog is composed of tiny droplets of water. Safety glasses fog because these tiny droplets of water (water vapor) cover the lenses. There are three main sources of water vapor. 

Condensation occurs when warm water vapor contacts a cooler surface. This intersection of water in its gaseous form and a cool surface results in the vapor releasing as liquid on the surface. So, when your warm breath collides with your cold lenses, you’re left with a fogging safety glasses.  

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Much like condensation, this airborne water vapor can cause fogging lenses—especially when extreme temperature swings teams up with humid conditions. 

Steam can be man-made or natural. It’s simply vaporized water and, when this vapor hits a surface, bam! Fog. However, unlike condensation, temperature differences aren’t required for the buildup of fog. Rather, the airborne vaporized water will attach itself to any surface that gets in its way.

See Clearly, Stay Safe

Why suffer from fogging glasses when solutions to slow the buildup of water vapor are available? Whether you’re choosing homegrown remedies or modern antifog technologies, keeping your glasses free from fogging can keep you safer at work, more satisfied at play and less frustrated everywhere! 

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