Agnieszka Kozak
27 Feb 2025
Imagine your eyes not merely as organs of sight but as complex systems maintaining a delicate equilibrium. Within them, fluid circulates continuously, nourishing and protecting. However, when this balance is disrupted—due to excess fluid or blocked drainage—pressure builds up inside the eye, threatening the structures responsible for vision. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma, a condition endangering our ability to see.
Glaucoma, however, is not just a physiological issue; it serves as a metaphor for the pressures we face in life—the drive to succeed, the fear of failure, and the burden of unresolved emotions. What if the pressure inside the eye reflects the tension within us? The urge to achieve, to close the gap between ourselves and our goals, mirrors this buildup.
The Desire for Proximity and Speed
Consider a time when you wanted something so intensely that you wished the gap between you and your goal could vanish. Whether it was a career ambition, a relationship, or a personal achievement, the feeling that success is just out of reach can create an emotional and mental tension that feels overwhelming. Just as glaucoma magnifies pressure within the eye, our ambitions can amplify our desires, making them seem more urgent. We focus intensely on details, analyse every step, and push ourselves harder, but this intense focus can lead to stress, which, if unchecked, can be as damaging to our minds as pressure is to our eyes.
The Conflict of Doubt and Deception
An internal conflict can also arise—a fear that our path is not entirely honest or that success comes with a cost. This is the "conflict of the cheat"—a lingering suspicion that something isn’t right, that we might be deceiving ourselves or others in our relentless pursuit. This moral tension adds another layer to the pressure we feel inside.
The Weight of the Future and Shadows of the Past
Glaucoma is more common in people over 60, an age when many reflect on their past and question their future. Have I done enough? Have I missed opportunities? Am I ready for what lies ahead? The uncertainty of the future, combined with past regrets, can make the present feel overwhelming. Imagine a woman who anxiously tries to predict her husband’s behaviour. She scrutinises every detail, searching for clues, her eyes working overtime to detect what is not yet visible. Her fear of the future and desire to control the unknown create an unbearable tension within her, a stress that, over time, could manifest physically, just as stress can worsen glaucoma.
The Emotional Toll of Suppressed Feelings
Glaucoma can also symbolise unexpressed emotions—tears unshed, grief unprocessed, anger unvoiced. Over time, these bottled-up emotions build up like excess fluid in the eye, creating pressure that eventually takes its toll. This emotional burden can be especially heavy for those with unresolved childhood trauma or deep-seated regrets.
Finding Relief: Releasing the Pressure
So what can we do? Just as glaucoma requires treatment to relieve eye pressure, we must find ways to relieve pressure in our hearts and minds.
Acknowledge and Express Emotions: Suppressing emotions only increases inner pressure. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or seeking therapy, releasing emotions healthily can bring immense relief.
Practice Self-Compassion: We often push ourselves too hard, believing we must achieve more. Sometimes, we need to step back and recognise that we are enough as we are.
Let Go of the Past: Holding onto resentment, regret, or past mistakes keeps us trapped. Forgiving ourselves and others helps us move forward without unnecessary weight.
Shift Focus from the Future to the Present: Constantly worrying about the future prevents us from appreciating what we have now. Practicing mindfulness—being fully present—can reduce anxiety and bring peace.
Glaucoma reminds us that our physical health and emotional well-being are deeply connected. The pressures we carry inside—from ambition, fear, regret, or unresolved conflicts—can manifest in our bodies unexpectedly. By learning to release these tensions and viewing ourselves and our lives with acceptance, we can protect our vision and find a clearer, more peaceful path forward.