In 2001, without any prior symptoms, my eyes became swollen, pressure built behind the eyes, and I sought immediate attention. Following an initial diagnosis of thyroid eye disease complex (apparently to differentiate the cause fromthat of graves disease), I was put on hd steroids. That did not provide relief. During the initial steroid treatment, eyesight became painful when facing stoplights, sun etc. Dark lenses followed. With no relief in sight I elected to undergo 10x radiation treatments (I was told experimental at the time) over 2+months. Relief followed shortly. In 2007, I experienced a rapid onset of patterns and eye pain. Horseshoe retinal tears were subsequently repaired with laser surgery. Clear and good vision was restored and remained until yesterday when I began welding,for the first time under trained supervision.. While welding it became apparent that I could not see the base metal under helmet as the instructor could. But I continued with proper eye protection. Today, I am experiencing the same symptoms as I did in 2000! Swwelling around the orbital socket, stiffness in movement and I can tell my vision is dramatically altered since this typing requires me sitting nearly on top of the screen, as opposed to my norm. How can the helmet filtered light from the welder affect this in this manner....needles to say, I am quite concerned that somehow welding has impacted my vision ... Your thoughts?

Tim B