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A common problem for many glasses wearers is the lenses steaming up. During the summer months, fogged-up glasses are less of an issue but are much more prevalent during the cold winter months when the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures causes condensation. Steamed-up glasses lenses can be frustrating and inconvenient, so we’ve compiled a list of our top 8 tips to help prevent them from fogging. Why do glasses fog up? Typically, glasses fog up because of the temperature change from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. You may notice some people’s glasses fog up more easily than others and that’s because it can also depend on your own body temperature. For example, after exercise or a hot shower, when the moist air from your breath and around your head hits the cold lenses, they’ll fog up. How to stop your glasses from fogging up: 8 tips While steamed-up glasses are often inevitable as we, unfortunately, can’t control the weather, there are preventative measures you can take to help keep your glasses as clear as possible. 1. Let your glasses adjust to temperature changes With the sudden temperature change from stepping into a warm room from the cold outdoors, your glasses will need some time to adjust. If possible, set them aside for a few moments to clear up. The same goes for going outside from indoors. If you can't see clearly without glasses and are unable to take them off, to prevent them from fogging up indoors, you could instead try to adjust the temperature inside, such as opening a window, so it isn't such a drastic change. 2. Ensure your glasses fit Finding the right fit for your glasses can be tricky. If they’re too big or the sides are slightly crooked, they’ll be sliding down your nose every five minutes and constantly steam up from your warm breath. 3. Opt for anti-fog lenses There are many different types of lenses to choose from, and if your glasses steaming up is a big concern, choosing anti-fog lenses will be a great option. These lenses have a unique coating that attracts and evenly distributes moisture across the lens surface, preventing water droplets from forming and obstructing vision. 4. Wear contact lenses when exercising To avoid your glasses fogging up as your temperature rises while exercising, the most effective solution is to wear contact lenses instead. When deciding between contact lenses and glasses, keep in mind that contact lenses do not fog, and they’ll be more comfortable and convenient to wear while exercising. 5. Try anti-fog products There are several anti-fog products available to try, including: Anti-fog spray: This quick and easy solution creates a very thin film on your lenses to protect them from moisture. Simply spray the lenses directly and let them dry for a while before wearing them. Once dried, you can wear them out in the cold and enjoy clear-sighted vision. Anti-fog wipes: these are perfect to use on the go. Simply use the wipe in a circular motion, let them dry and pop the glasses back on fog-free. 6. Watch out for hot drinks As comforting as hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate is in the winter, they are notorious for fogging glasses. The warmth released from the cup as you take a sip will instantly steam up your glasses. Luckily, putting a lid on the cup will prevent fogging from happening. 7. Keep your lenses clean It’s important to keep your lenses clean as dirt, grease and dust on your glasses will allow the fog to accumulate, making the situation worse and even harder to see out of. We suggest cleaning your glasses at least once every day and then storing them properly when you’re not using them. When they do steam up, wipe them with a silky lens cleaning cloth to prevent them from becoming smeary. It’s also wise not to touch the lenses with your bare hands as this could transfer oils from your skin and any skin products you may have used, such as moisturiser or hand cream, making them cloudy. 8. Make sure your face mask is not too big If you’re wearing glasses with a face mask, make sure the mask is well-fitted and not too big to stop your breath from escaping through the top of the mask and fogging up your glasses. Try to also leave a gap between the face mask and your nose to allow the heat to escape without reaching your glasses. Avoid home remedies that can damage your lenses While information online may advise you to try home remedies, such as washing your glasses with soap or using shaving cream, as a way to create a barrier, we strongly recommend against using these methods, as you could risk damaging your lenses and needing to buy replacements. Book your eye test today Find a Leightons branch near you

You may be thinking that the glasses frames are simply part of the aesthetic, and you’d be partly right. But the frames also contribute to the function of your lenses and the fit is important for ensuring your glasses sit at the right place and are the right size so you don’t get headaches. Read on for a comprehensive guide to glasses frame sizes and how to choose the right size frame for your face. What do the numbers on glasses mean? When looking at the side of your glasses, you’ll probably notice a series of numbers printed or scribed into one side. These numbers may look nonsensical, but they actually describe the various widths and measurements of your specific frames. They include the lens width, the bridge width, and the temple length – which, when combined, describe your perfect glasses fit. Lens width The first number in the sequence is the lens width measurement. This is the horizontal width of each lens at the horizontal centre. The number will typically range between 40 and 60 mm. Bridge width The second number is the bridge width. This is the distance of the bridge of your glasses – the measurement between the two lenses at the horizontal centre line – where your glasses fit on the bridge of your nose. The bridge size ranges from 14mm to 24mm on average. Temple length The temple length, also known as the arm length, of your glasses is the third number you’ll find on your glasses. It describes the length from the hinge to the tip of the arm – the part that goes behind your ear. This measurement is usually between 120 and 150 mm long. Other glasses dimensions to know There are a couple of other useful measurements that aren’t found on your glasses. These are useful for when you’re measuring different types of lenses such as multifocals. They also help to ensure the best fit of your glasses – not too loose, not too tight, but just right. Frame width The frame width measurement is the horizontal width of your glasses frames, measured from their widest points. It's an important factor in finding glasses that fit your face shape – too-wide glasses will slide off your face, too narrow and you are likely to feel pressure on your temples which can cause headaches. It’s important to find a good balance so your glasses look and fit the best they can. How to choose the right frame size for your face Choosing the right frames for your face shape can be a fairly long process, but once you’ve got the right fit, your glasses will look great and help correct your vision. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right glasses frames for your face: The right width – Choose a pair of glasses that fit the width of your face in a well-balanced way. Your frames shouldn’t be wider than the width of your face at the temples. The correct height – You don’t want your frames to completely overwhelm your face. Therefore, the top of your glasses should sit no higher than the line of your eyebrows. Additionally, to prevent your glasses from rubbing against your cheeks and causing irritation, the lower edge of the frames shouldn't sit on your cheeks. Nose bridge – You’ll want your glasses to sit comfortably and snugly, but not too snug, on your nose bridge. Some adjustment of the nose pads may be needed which is why having a fitting at your opticians is essential to finding the right fit. Pupillary distance (PD) – This is the distance between your two pupils (the dark circles in your eyes). Some frames might be better suited to your individual PD than others so it will need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right frames. Glasses size chart Here at Leightons, we offer a few standard glasses frames sizes to help make finding the right glasses more easily. Refer to this chart to help you find the frames that are the right size for you. The exact measurements might differ from one style to the next, but these sizes encompass most of the frame widths Leightons offers. Find the perfect frames for you Finding the perfect glasses frames can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Visit your local Leightons branch and speak to one of our qualified dispensing opticians for an eye test and style consultation, including a fitting to help find your perfect glasses. We’ll ensure your glasses are correctly measured, the frames you choose fit your head perfectly, and that your glasses are the right size for your face. Book your appointment today. If you’re looking for more inspiration or information on glasses and how they fit, read our guides on choosing your lenses – for more information about single vision and multifocal lenses – and how should glasses fit – for information to help you work out whether your glasses are fitting your face correctly or not. Book your style consultation today Find a Leightons branch near you