How to Anti-Fog Goggles

Fog can be a nightmare when trying to work or play in any environment. Whether you're a scuba diver, swimmer or professional athlete, you need clear vision to perform at your best. Here's how to keep your goggles fog-free with a comprehensive understanding of the problem, available commercial and DIY anti-fog solutions, proper maintenance and care tips, design features and technologies, reviews and recommendations, as well as safety considerations.

Understanding the Problem

Goggles can fog up due to rising humidity and temperature, warm breath or other airborne particles. These particles trap in the air creating a consistent layer of fog on the surface of the lenses. As a result, vision is reduce, and this can become a major hazard. The problem becomes increasingly challenging when operating in cold climates or with icy water.

Commercial Anti-Fog Solutions

Sprays and Solutions

Commercial sprays and solutions, such as Z Optic Anti-Fog Spray, are designed specifically to minimize fogging on goggles and lenses. They're usually applied directly onto the lens to generate a protective layer specific to that surface. The results are usually long-lasting and won't harm the goggles. However, the solution isn't everlasting; it will need to be reapplied over time.

Anti-Fog Coating

Goggles that come with a permanent anti-fog coating are best suited for extreme scenarios. The coating is applied during the manufacturing process and designed to create a barrier between the lens and any particle that causes fog. Typical application of the coating varies from brand to brand and can range from specialized metal compounds to clear coat.

DIY Anti-Fog Solutions

Vinegar Solution

Using vinegar solution to clean your goggles can help minimize fogging. The safe and natural solution is usually a mixture of vinegar and water formulated to create a potent and protective barrier on the lenses. The application process is quite simple: just soak a cleaning cloth in the solution and use it to gently clean the goggles. Once done, rinse the goggles with cold water and they should be good to go.

Unguents and Ointments

Using ointments like Salonpas and Icy Hot have become popular anti-fog techniques in recent years. All you need to do is rub a thin layer of the ointment on the inner side of the lens and leave it for a few minutes. After that, the lens should remain fog-free for hours.

Proper Maintenance and Care

Keep it Clean

Goggles need to be kept clean if you want clear vision for longer. Clean using a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning solutions to ensure optimal anti-fog performance. Make sure to rinse the lenses with cold water for best results.

Storage

When not in use, remember to store your goggles away from direct sunlight and possibly even in a sealed container for added protection. This is important to prevent the lenses from being damaged or scratched by foreign particles.

Design Features and Technologies

Vented Lenses

Vented lenses allow some airflow between the lens and the user's face, thus reducing the amount of fog produced and preventing it from being a significant problem. The design also ensures that any sweat that accumulates on the face is also less likely to affect the lenses.

Dual Lenses

Dual lenses, as the name implies, feature two layers of lenses separated by the lenses. This design creates a thermal barrier between the exterior and interior of the goggles to prevent the lenses from fogging up. It's usually used in the toughest conditions where fogging is expected to be a major concern.

Reviews and Recommendations

The Aqua Sphere Mako 2 is one of the most popular anti-fog goggles on the market. It's designed with a dual lens structure and fog-fighting technologies to generate maximum visibility in all types of aquatic environments. Owners have reported experiencing clear vision even in cold climate conditions.

Another top rated product is the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0. It features an molded gasket that fits snug against goggles, claps in place and reduces the chances of fogging. Additionally, the Vanquisher 2.0 comes with antifog and UV protection to create an effective barrier against unnatural sunlight.

Safety Considerations

Goggles can provide superior performance, however they come with a few safety considerations too. Always read the instructions before using any product to ensure it's suited for the type of environment you'll be operating in. Additionally, ensure that the lenses are not damaged or scratched as this could be a potential safety hazard.

Summary Review

Fogging can be very irritating and it can also be dangerous. The trick is to find a balance between commercial and DIY solutions as well as proper maintenance and design features. Always read the instructions before using any product and check for any potential safety hazards, and you should be good to go.