Dave
Though I am only 31 i have been welding for years. I noticed that my eyes started to get a bit fuzzy about 3 years ago. I also used a high quality (expensive) auto darkening helmet. almost an #12 shade. I since went back to old faithful after a misunderstanding with my expensive helmet flying accross the shop and into one of the poles (LOL). SO i went to a #11 gold lense ( they say its better for stainless) But all around the gold lens is alot better I can see 1000 times better with it, plus I have noticed that my sight has come back a bit.

After talking to a few other welders they have said that even the best auto darkening helmets still will get your eyes everytime you start the arc. They also use a flip down now for that very reason. I was wondering years ago when on the race team all our welders used the flip downs. Well thats my 2 cents hope maybe this will help you..