My eyes!!!

[Bacon Is Proof]

Went to fry some paste for a Thai green last night and as the vapour hit my eyes I was instantly blinded, worse than rubbing chilli in my eyes which is at least a twice weekly occurrence. It was so bad I had to be led out the galley by my missus to avoid the log burner.
I then sent her to fetch the bottle of cider I had abandoned which meant she had to crawl back on hands and knees as she was also now blinded.

Fortunately I can roll fags in the dark which gave enough time for the stinging to subside, but what could have caused this? Bearing in mind that I cook with a lot of ginger/garlic/chilli, would it be the fact that I had blended everything for the paste that would allow the ingredients to more quickly release their satanic mist? Or is galangal more potent than normal ginger?

Definitely going to try and replicate the experience, it was fking hilarious.