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!
I was looking at Northern Tool also. Huge price range!

You guys should consider getting "gas." That alone has helped me improve my welding. At my age--a lot weaker and a little more skaky, and my eyesight....I need all the help I can get.

I'm willing to start using gas in the learning to weld process if that's what it takes.