How to Choose the Best Anti-Fog Goggles

Introduction

Foggy goggles can be one of the most infuriating things when you're trying to enjoy some outdoor activities. Whether you're a swimmer perfecting your butterfly turns, an ice skater reaching for the next dance trick, or an avid snowmobiler powering through a challenging downhill run, there is nothing worse than fog making it hard to see what you need.

Luckily, with the right anti-fog goggles, you don't have to worry about sacrificing your vision in order to savor your favorite sport. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the different solutions available when it comes to anti-fog goggles, along with tips on proper maintenance and care, and some of the best anti-fog goggles currently on the market.

Understanding the Problem

Having foggy lenses means that you're fogging up your goggles every few minutes by exhaling your breath, traipsing through humid environments, or just changing the temperature of your goggles from cold to hot or vice-versa.

Both your goggles and lenses also come with specialty coatings that can be prone to permanent damage when they come into contact with certain chemicals, sunscreen, sweat, and other weather conditions. All of this means that it's important to have a reliable anti-fog solution in order to enjoy your sports activities without running the risk of damaging your lenses and compromising your vision and the integrity of your protective eyewear.

Commercial Anti-Fog Solutions

Commercial anti-fog solutions are the most reliable way to keep your lenses from fogging up in the middle of your activity. Here's a quick rundown of the different types of commercial solutions most widely available on the market:

• Spray-on Solutions: These are relatively easy to apply and typically contain a combination of Silicone, anti-fog chemicals, and moisturizers. They also don't require frequent reapplication like the pre-moistened cloths do.
• Pre-Moistened Cloths: Pre-moistened cloths are an easy solution that requires nothing more than wipe the pre-filled cloth over your lenses. Keep in mind that you'll need to reapply more often (about every hour, depending on the manufacturer's instructions).
• Gel Formulas: These are anti-fog formulas in gel form, which rub gently into your lenses and may help to eliminate fog up to six times longer than pre-moistened cloths.

DIY Anti-Fog Solutions

Although the safest and most reliable way to go about making sure your lenses stay fog-free is to use commercial products, there are a couple of homemade solutions you may want to try.

• Mouthwash: By combining equal parts of cheap mouthwash and clean water, you can create a homemade solution similar to commercial formulations. Since different types of mouthwash contain different types of alcohol and chemicals, make sure to read the labels to make sure your concoction won't damage your goggles.
• Vinegar Water: Another DIY option is to mix equal parts of water and white vinegar to create a simple solution you can apply to your lenses. This may take a bit of experimenting to make it work, but it can be an effective alternative if you don't have commercial anti-fog solutions available and you don't want to make too many trips to the store.

Proper Maintenance and Care

If you want your anti-fog goggles to last, there a few basic measures you should keep in mind:

• Cover the Lenses: Make sure to keep your goggles covered with the original case or some other protective cover, especially if you're traveling with them. This will help to keep dirt out of your lenses.
• Avoid Sunscreen and Sweat: Try to avoid getting sunscreens and sweat on your lenses, as these elements can damage the specialized coatings applied to the lenses.
• Keep the Goggles Clean: Rinse your goggles in clean water and use soft, damp cloths to gently clean and dry them. Avoid any aggressive rubbing, as this can damage the lenses or even remove the anti-fog coating.

Design Features and Anti-Fog Technologies

When you're shopping for the right pair of anti-fog goggles, a few design features and available technologies can help you make the most of your experience and ensure foggy goggles are a thing of the past:

• Lenses: Look for lenses that are treated with ultraviolet or infrared (IR) coating, and also ones that have a special anti-scratch protection. These types of lenses are usually made with Lexan or polycarbonate, which is 40 times more impact resistant than acetate or glass.
• Frames: Look for frames that resist slipping and are also designed to provide comfort and protection. This means not only finding goggles with adjustable padded straps but also with wider designs that can accommodate larger faces and cap migratory fogging.
• Anti-Fog Technology: Look for a combination of advanced anti-fog technologies, such as multiple coatings that provide permanent fog elimination, hydrophobic/hydrophilic coatings, laser etching processes and even special vent designs that allow moisture to escape without the cold air getting in.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before you commit to a pair of anti-fog goggles, make sure to read a few user reviews and expert recommendations to find the right pair for you. Here are some of the best models currently available for different types of activities:

Safety Considerations

When selecting an appropriate pair of anti-fog goggles, bear in mind that safety should be your top priority. Look for ANSI-rated goggles that meet the required impact resistance testing standards. Also, check for any potential issues with foggy lenses due to a distorted field of vision or incorrect fit that can lead to unsafe situations.

Summary Review

Foggy lenses can be one of the most annoying things when you're trying to enjoy an outdoor activity. The good news is that there are a number of commercial and DIY solutions you can use to make sure your goggles remain fog-free all day. By investing in the right pair of lenses with suitable design features and specialized anti-fog technology, you can rest assured your vision always stays clear and unobstructed.