My aching eyeballs after practicing FCAW.

I have welded in my shop ( NOT pro) for 50 odd years. Never had an auto dark helmet till last yr, got one at HF and had same problem as you. Then picked up a "little" more expensive one at Northern Tool and it is way better now. But also flux wire gives me a headache even weldingoutside. Mig welding outside flux is must!