It is possible that Eli’s deteriorating eyesight is meant to mirror the situation in Israel and the rarity of prophetic visions.1 His physical malady was reflecting his spiritual dullness and lack of perception (cf. 1 Samuel 1:13–14; 1 Samuel 2:23–25). More likely, however, it serves to explain Samuel’s proximity to Eli. He had to sleep near the high priest so that he could help him during the night, seeing as Eli could not see very well.2
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.