Weldors are ornery people! Every time I look in there, they throw sand in my eyes!
Don't forget your faithful non-human friends when grinding and welding in the shop.
Their eyes are just as sensitive as yours to welding arcs, sputter balls and grinding sparks.
That "gritty" feeling is from being arc flashed. This is the mildest symptom of being flashed.
Others, such as swelling of the eyes are much more serious.