Motorcycle Riding with Glasses: My Practical Guide to Clear Vision

Hey fellow riders! If you're anything like me, you rely on glasses to see the world clearly. But when you add a motorcycle helmet into the mix, things can get a bit tricky. Fogging, discomfort, and even safety concerns become everyday realities. I've been riding with glasses for years, and I've definitely learned a few things along the way. Let me share my personal experiences and practical solutions to help you enjoy a clearer, more comfortable ride.

The Struggle is Real: My Motorcycle Glasses Woes

I remember my first few rides with a helmet and glasses. Talk about a recipe for disaster! The lenses would fog up almost instantly, especially on cooler days. It was incredibly distracting and honestly, pretty dangerous. I felt like I was constantly battling my own breath. I tried everything I could think of – adjusting the helmet vents, wiping the lenses repeatedly, even holding my breath at stoplights (not recommended!). Nothing seemed to work consistently.

Another issue I faced was comfort. My glasses would press against my temples inside the helmet, causing headaches and discomfort after just a short ride. Finding the right balance between a snug helmet fit and comfortable glasses was a real challenge. I even considered giving up riding altogether at one point!

My Fog-Free Vision: Solutions I Discovered

Desperate for a solution, I started experimenting with different techniques and products. Here's what I found that actually worked:

The Visor Crack Technique

One of the simplest and most effective tricks I learned was to crack open my visor. Just a tiny gap is enough to allow a constant flow of air, which prevents the warm, humid air from my breath from fogging up the lenses. I found this especially useful when I was stopped at traffic lights or riding at slower speeds. It's amazing how such a small adjustment can make such a big difference.

I usually keep the visor fully closed when I'm riding at higher speeds, as the natural airflow seems to keep the fog at bay. However, when I'm stuck in traffic or the weather is particularly humid, the visor crack is my go-to solution. I found that my visor doesn't always close completely until I'm going at least 60 kmph, so cracking it open before then is essential.

Contact Lenses: A Game Changer?

I also decided to try contact lenses on a whim. I have to say, it was a revelation! The freedom of not having to worry about glasses fogging up or being uncomfortable inside the helmet was incredible. The improved quality of life was insane. I could finally focus on the road and enjoy the ride without any distractions. While I still wear glasses in my daily life, I almost exclusively use contacts when I'm riding my motorcycle.

Anti-Fog Coatings: A Layer of Protection

Another option I explored was using anti-fog coatings. There are various products available on the market, ranging from sprays to wipes, that promise to keep your lenses clear. I tried a few different brands, and while some were more effective than others, they all provided a noticeable improvement. I found that applying a fresh coat of anti-fog spray before each ride helped to minimize fogging and maintain clear vision.

I've heard good things about "cat crap" (yes, that's actually the name of a product!) and other similar anti-fog coatings. While I haven't personally tried them, they seem to be popular among other riders. It might be worth checking them out if you're looking for a more permanent solution.

Dealing with Reading Glasses on the Road

As I've gotten older, I've found myself needing reading glasses more and more. This presented a new challenge when riding my motorcycle. I needed a way to see the instrument panel and GPS clearly without constantly switching between my regular glasses and reading glasses.

That's when I discovered Cinily Net's homepage. I was looking for a lightweight and comfortable pair of reading glasses that I could wear under my helmet. After browsing their selection, I found a pair that seemed perfect:

The Anti Blue Light Reading Glasses Men Hyperopia Eyeglasses Women Ultralight Prescription Glasses 2PCS Presbyopic Eyewear 0 To +400 from Cinily Net turned out to be exactly what I needed. They're incredibly lightweight and comfortable, and the anti-blue light coating helps to reduce eye strain on long rides. I was able to find a power that worked perfectly for seeing my bike's gauges. The fact that they came in a pack of two was a bonus – now I have a spare!