Spectacle Fogging

SUNDERLAND CARE AND SUPPORT issued ‘Guidance on Spectacle Fogging’ on 21^st May 2020.  This is a summary of the guidance and all SCAS staff should ensure they read the full guidance.

SCAS colleagues have identified an issue with the steaming up of spectacles while wearing a face mask. This is a common problem which is caused by the warm air coming from the mask and hitting the cool surface of glasses lenses. We have sought advice from our representative in health and safety and can offer the following guidance to alleviate the issue:

Immediately before wearing a face mask, wash the spectacles with soapy water and shake off the excess. Then, let the spectacles air dry or gently dry off the lenses with a soft tissue before putting them back on. This leaves behind a film that acts as a fog barrier which should help to stop the spectacle lenses misting up when the face mask is worn.

If the mask has a nose bridge, make sure it is adjusted to fit the shape of your face to create a seal; this will help to cut down on warm air coming up from the mask and hitting the glasses.

If you pull the mask up higher over your nose, you can sit your glasses on top of the mask which again helps to create a seal and prevent the warm air hitting the spectacle lenses.

  You can get a tighter seal on your mask by taping it down over the bridge of your nose with sports/medical tape. You must ensure that you don’t have allergies to the tape if you choose to take this measure.

You can view and download a printable version of the story Spectacle fogging Bulletin