Hello chickweldor, it is more likely that an incorrect sensitivity adjustment for those hoods, so equipped, would result in some eye strain. Possibly even an incorrectly adjusted delay setting could contribute as well, again, for hoods so equipped. The sensitivity adjustment will decide at what level of arc or ambient light that a hood will switch, if this isn't correctly set you can end up with a "flash" instead of the switch to shade that should take place, can cause eye strain. Delay comes into play when you have intermittent arc flash such as possibly while carbon arc gouging, little or no delay in switching can possibly end up giving you a headache from the constant switching that might take place due to not having enough delay from the time that the arc is on and off, thus causing your hood to cycle back and forth rapidly from welding shade to light shade. The majority of electronic hoods do provide UV protection for the eyes even though you still see a "bright" light when a weld is taking place and the hood hasn't switched to welding shade. Hope this has somewhat answered your question. Best regards, Allan

I had heard of the problem back when they first came out, I think it may have been an issue with some of the cheap ones back then.

Some of the slowest are also among the most reputable and were among the first that developed the technology.  And, having used them, I have never suffered any eye strain.  The largest majority of currently available auto darkening lenses operate at an extremely faster rate than the original versions.  Having also used a few of them and having two on hand that I use almost everyday, I can say there is little risk of eye strain from their usage.

Most of those you would complain about eye strain are the same ones who tack without a hood, burn without proper cutting glasses, grind without safety glasses, etc.  It is hard to take seriously the complaints of those who don't use proper safety equipment as part of their regular work habits. 

You will find there are many 'wives tales' among all trades.  Especially when it comes to newer technology, you will hear all kinds of things.  Do your own research very carefully and you will come to the truth.  This forum CAN be a good place to weed out and separate truth from fiction.

Have a Great Day,  Brent