[Fluorine]

I got a UV lamp for my lab that is 254nm (short) and 365nm (long) and upon using it (long wave) on some vials I noticed my eyes feeling uncomfortable. I never noticed this when I've used UV for TLC in school. Is 365nm a notable risk for my eye sight? I've never stared directly into/at the lamp by the way.

I googled UV eye protection and found many products claiming to be helpful but I don't want to assume it will protective for my case when instead, for example, it may only helpful for 390~400nm. Any affordable recommendations, especially goggles?

[enahs]

Believe it or not, some few people can actually see down in the 365 nm range. You might be on the border and it is what is causing the problem.

Look into here then:
http://www.lasersafetyindustries.com/UV_Laser_Safety_Glasses_and_Goggles_s/73.htm

You do not need something as intense as laser protection, but at least it lists the range of wavelength it protects eyes from.

[Fluorine]

Interesting information, thanks Enahs!

That site mentioned they use polycarbonate (except for the glass version) for the material and I know standard lab/splash goggles are made of this as well. So I googled and found this site (among a few others) which claim "These CHEMICAL SPLASH GOGGLES protect the eyes both from splashes as well as from the harmful effects of UV light."

I'm wondering if anyone knows if splash goggles in general are protective against UV? It would explain why I've never experienced discomfort in class. I'll use my goggles whenever I use the lamp just to be safe anyway.

[Invincible]

Normal glass blocks UVC, but surprisingly many plastics are transparent to 253.7nm UV. 

This can be verified by placing some phosphor from a fluorescent lamp on plastic in question and shining UVC lamp at it from below.  If it shows white fluorescence, its passing UVC.  Repeat this with a piece of picture frame glass and fluorescence does not occur.

[Fluorine]

That's a clever approach I didn't think of, thank you!