I almost have to look at mine from the corner of my eye,
Looking straight at things, over the years, exposes that part of the retina to enough light to damage it slightly.Just off to the side, away from the usually "Focused on spot", the retina is still sensitive. Looking into the night sky, faint stars will be seen just away from where I am looking. Then when I look AT that spot, the faint star disappears.
If I was having trouble seeing the level I would cut a piece of cardboard & hack a hole in it to go over the hole in the battery box & shine the light back behind the left sidecover. Using the cardboard to block the light from my eyes I think the level would be more easily seen. Or maybe put the light on the front of the battery & look behind the sidecover. But, by protecting the eyes from the direct light, the pupils wont be constricted & the contrast between the plastic case versus the case with the water in it should be easier to spot.
Thats the way Id go at it, I hope that helps.
ofcourseaBIG CRANKsolves this problem,,,,