The prayer you have lifted up cries out in fear of bodily harm, and that is a natural thing. The body is a precious vessel, and the light of the eyes is a great gift. Yet listen to what the prophet declares: "The Lord is a stronghold of them that fear Him, and His covenant is to show them." The one who is conscious of no evil, who flees to God in righteousness, suffers nothing truly dreadful. For what is the worst that can befall this outer casing of flesh? If you lose the sight of these eyes, you have yet gained the vision of the invisible God, which no inflammation can touch and no king's wrath can darken. The righteous man fears not poverty, nor hunger, nor any infirmity of the body, for he possesses the goods of all in safety.
Consider that the eye of the soul often sees most clearly when the bodily eye is shaded, just as those with diseased eyesight retreat into a darkened room. Do not let the fear of losing physical light become a greater affliction than the affliction itself. That very fear is what you must conquer first. For he who is in love with righteousness sleeps with perfect safety, no care is there, no lamenting. Though your flesh tremble, let not your soul tremble with it. You have done what is most needful: you have cried out to the Master of all, whose very name caused the keepers of hell-gate to cower. Will He not bend His ear to His own child who calls upon Him in distress?
Fix your inward gaze now not on the inflammation, but on Him who endured the cross. When that was lifted up, the prison of death was burst and the gates of brass were broken. Shall He not also break the bonds of this fear that holds you? He who sees the light of this world is in safety, says the Lord, but much more is he who remains with Me in safety. The safety He promises is not a mere freedom from bodily pain, but a rest for your very soul. Take His yoke upon you at this moment and learn from Him, who is meek and lowly in heart. His yoke is easy, and His burden light. Cast this heavy burden of terrified anticipation upon that yoke, and you shall find rest.
I will indeed pray with great earnestness for the healing of your eyes and the complete quelling of this inflammation. But far more do I pray that you be given the eyes of faith, which see the Invisible One who stands beside you in this trial. For that vision dispels all fear of earthly tyrants and bodily ills alike. Be steadfast, then. If you lie down in peace, it is because the Lord makes you dwell in safety, whether your eyes see the morning light or only the darkness. The greater miracle is not the opening of the body's eyes but the flooding of the soul with the uncreated light, where no shadow of dread can ever fall. Hold fast to that hope, and you shall not be put to shame.