Prevention of fogging inside safety goggles for healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic: A low-cost solution in resource-limited settings

Safety goggles are an integral part of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals. ¹ Fogging of these goggles is a common problem that hinders work. Warm exhaled air condenses water droplets on a cooler lens surface and causes mist formation or fogging—these droplets of water aggregate owing to innate surface tension of the water molecules and causes visual impairment through light dispersion. Various anti-fogging remedies are available in the market. They contain a combination of surface tension reducing agents. A polypropylene-based anti-fogging marker used initially by swimmers is one such. ² Its cost is US$8. Some anti-fogging solutions and sprays are also available at <US$5. ³

We have adopted a different method; at the time of donning of PPE, we utilise a swab immersed in a soap solution. This swab is smeared (not rubbed) on the inner surface of the goggles to make a thin film (Figure 1(a)). After this, the goggles are air-dried for 2–3 min (Figure 1(b)). The process of drying can be expedited by placing googles below a fan or air-conditioner. OPEN IN VIEWER

It must be kept in mind that all available anti-fogging solutions spread out water droplets into a uniform, transparent layer and prevent the phenomenon of fogging. None of them can prevent the condensation of water droplets as this is bound to occur with tightly fitting N95 facemasks, which direct expired warm air upwards. Our method derives from the known practice of washing spectacles with soapy water before any surgical procedure. ⁴ This technique offers several advantages. Firstly, it is simple, and we have experienced minimal fogging during a 6-h duty shift. Secondly, as no markers or sprays are utilised, the cost factor is greatly reduced. Thirdly, any soap solution can be used. In comparison to the use of propranolol-based skin disinfectant solution (such as Sterillium®), ⁵ there is no burning sensation in the eyes with our method. Finally, there is no need to immerse goggles underwater for uniform application, as needed in some other methods.