Summer is a great time to be outdoors, but it’s important to be careful with your eyewear if they are exposed to intense heat. This is because the hot weather and humidity can cause heat damage to your frames, as well as fogging-up the lenses, if your eyewear is not properly cared for. Damage may include warped frames and weakened materials which can make your eyewear uncomfortable to wear. Keep reading to see how you can protect your eyewear from heat damage or fogged-up lenses during the hot summer months. 

Avoiding heat damage to your sunglasses 

Avoid leaving your sunglasses in the car 

It’s tempting to leave your eyewear in your car, particularly if you are travelling during the summer months or you’re doing activities where they might fall off or end up in the water, so you quickly stash them in the glove compartment. Though it might be convenient, the temperature inside a parked car can become much hotter than the outside temperature. Instead, try to take them with you or even store them in the centre console, as this spot may stay cooler than your dashboard or seats if shaded. 

Keep your eyewear away from direct sunlight 

Whether you are relaxing on holiday, at the park or in the back garden, try to avoid leaving your sunglasses in direct sunlight such as on a sun lounger or beach towel when you are not wearing them. Instead, you should try to store them in a hard case to help shield them from direct sunlight. Read more about why you should use a protective case for your eyewear here. 

Try to keep your eyewear away from hot surfaces or hot sources 

Resting your eyewear on surfaces like car dashboards, outdoor café tables, poolside concrete, or the BBQ grill side shelf can become uncomfortably hot and can cause damage or warping to your frames. Try to find cooler surfaces to rest your sunglasses, like under a table, or place a microfibre cloth on top of them to help protect them from heat. 

Choose durable frame materials 

Try to find sunglasses that are made from high quality materials, as these are likely to be more resistant to heat damage than cheaper plastic alternatives such as 

• Acetate – Stylish, lightweight, and more heat-resistant than cheap plastics

• Titanium – Strong, corrosion-resistant, and super lightweight—ideal for high-end frames 

• Stainless Steel – Durable and sleek, though not as heat-resistant as titanium

Keep your sunglasses clean 

Your summer might involve driving with the windows down, as well as beach days, hiking, theme parks, festivals, BBQs or poolside lounging – all of which can cause heat and sweat to get on your sunglasses. Heat and sweat may accelerate the breakdown of frame materials, so it’s important to clean your eyewear regularly. Find out how to properly clean and care for your glasses or sunglasses here. 

Preventing fogged-up glasses and sunglasses in hot weather 

Try using an anti-fog spray 

Lenses can fog up during summer due to the change in temperature – for example, moving from air conditioning into humid heat. Plus, sweat, body heat and humidity can add moisture, which condenses on your cooler lenses especially during outdoor activities or after getting out of a cool car, causing lenses to fog up. You might want to consider anti-fog kits to take with you on your travels, like these ZEISS AntiFOG Kit & Wipes, which can keep your lenses fog-free for up to three days. 

Check the fitting of your glasses 

In the summer heat, it's important to ensure your eyewear fits comfortably but also allows for increased airflow to help reduce fogging. Loosening the nose pads on your glasses can help to reduce fogging as it promotes air circulation, as well as adjusting the arms on your eyewear to help improve ventilation. You may want to pay a visit to your optician to check the fitting of your glasses, especially during those hot, sunny days. 

Try a face mask with a nose wire 

If you need to wear a face mask, wearing one that has a snug nose wire can help to direct your breath away from your lenses as it prevents warm air from escaping upwards, especially during the summer months. This can help to reduce condensation and fogging caused by your breathing, which will help keep your eyewear clear whilst staying comfortable in summer heat. 

Try to stay in the shade when possible 

If you’re moving between air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor areas, you may experience a sudden temperature change. This can cause fogging on your lenses. Staying in the shade when possible can help to minimise this effect as well as reduce the strain of temperature fluctuations on your lenses, especially during the hottest part of the day. 

By following these quick tips, you can help keep your glasses and sunglasses in their best shape, all summer long. If you would like further advice, come in and see us by booking an eye test online today.