I'm a hobbyist welder but eyes are really sensitive (dry). Not flashing myself. Help!

[Kemppi]

I bet you guys who think it's the ozone and/or other welding gases produced during the arc, are on to something. I really appreciate your insight because although my thread probably sounds like a really stupid question, it is the difference between me being able to weld comfortably and not, which is a big deal to me personally. So I appreciate your thoughts and consideration.

Is there a full face cartridge type respirator that will fit under a helmet like a Miller elite auto dark helmet? I know I can fit a 3M half mask with cartridges under it, if I remove the pre filters, under a hood but I have not tried a full face unit. If I can fit a low profile full face respirator, that sounds like it will fully protect me from fumes, including my eyes. I have a supplied air mask for auto body but there is no way it is going to fit under a welding hood.

Thanks

Steve

If it's the gasses, why not try something like swimming glasses, small and creates a seal around your eyes, can use them under your helmet. I wouldn't want a big respirator. I use a 7500 mask with P100 filters I believe they are.

edit: I read along and saw you tried this already.

[Schmiedee]

I have a theory. I had a bad flash a few months ago. Ever since then my right eye has similar symptoms after welding. Only Welding. I can torch the nastiest stuff for an hour and barely have eye irritation but a few beads on the stick welder and my right eye has some mild pain and dryness. You mentioned that you had relief with your gold fixed lenses. Even though the lighter shade on auto dark helmet protects against uv and even though the auto dark darkens in 1/25000 of a second, I think that small amount of bright light is just enough to make my sensitive eye angry. I’m going to patch my right eye when welding for a month to see if it will heal by not exposing it to any welding and then I’m going to use a fixed lens for a while and see how that works. Just a thought. Hopefully I don’t go cross eyed from using only one eye while welding. Keep in mind I never weld all day, only an hour at a time about once a week. But in short I think the fixed lens is going to make the difference.

[DarylDarling]

It's possible that the bright light from welding is causing irritation and dryness in your right eye, and using a fixed lens may help alleviate these symptoms. It's a good idea to patch your right eye when welding for a month to allow it to heal, and then try using a fixed lens to see if it makes a difference. It's important to protect your eyes while welding, even if you only do it for short periods of time.