[TheForge] Eye protection/filters while forge welding

[Paul Novorolsky]

All the recent discussion about protective headgear has prompted me to 
ask the question about eye protection while forge welding.

I'm a novice (I've only been at this about a year), but I spent a fair 
amount of time forge welding in a coal forge this past weekend. Staring 
into a white-hot fire as the pieces reached temperature left me with 
spots before my eyes as I dressed the joint. I wear clear safety 
glasses, but was wondering if I should move to a shaded (sunglass type) 
or perhaps a welding filter.

So the bottom line is, what do you more experienced smiths use? Is there 
danger of permanent damage from staring into the coal forge?

I searched several months back into the archives, but didn't see any 
recent discussion on the topic.

Thanks,
Paul