Dame Judi Dench has shared a sad update regarding her declining health. The 91-year-old was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012. According to the NHS, it's a widespread condition that impacts the central part of your vision. It typically first strikes people in their 50s.
The website explains that it doesn't result in complete blindness, but it can make activities like reading and recognising faces challenging. Without treatment, your vision may deteriorate. This can occur slowly over several years, before it can then worsen rapidly over a few weeks or months.
What Judi Dench says about her health
The condition means Judi can no longer read scripts. Nevertheless, she refuses to retire and stays resolute in continuing to work for as long as possible.
Providing an update on her health, Judi said: "It has affected me, yes. I can't see the television any more and I can't see bright light, it is not good. It is just a boring thing. My ma had it too," she told Yours Magazine.
The actress can also no longer walk unassisted along a red carpet, confessing she could easily stumble over "a flat piece of grass".
Her determination to keep working
Speaking about her career going forward, Judi confessed she dreads being unemployed. "I hardly dare say that it has not happened to me. I don't want to tempt fate," she added.
While her health battles have compelled her to step back from major acting parts, she has previously disclosed that she can still recall some lines thanks to her "photographic memory".
She previously revealed to Hello! Magazine: "If you're an actress, you can act that you can see. I've had to act all my life, so I can act that I can see."
"You end up cutting a lot of people dead, then you go up to complete strangers, give them the most enormous hug and say, 'I'm so sorry I haven't seen you for so long'."
Recent roles and projects
In recent years, the actress' roles have become more restricted. In 2022, she made a cameo in the musical film Spirited. This year, she featured in a 13-minute cinematic tribute celebrating the late British comedy legend Barry Cryer.
She also provided her voice for a talking, high-tech smart refrigerator in the family fantasy film The Magic Faraway Tree. Alongside her writing and acting pursuits, she presents Tea with Judi Dench on Sky Arts which has featured Sir Ian McKellen as a guest.
Additionally, she has co-authored her latest book, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, described as a personal and witty memoir looking back on her life spanning more than 90 years. The book delves into her childhood in York, her marriage and the standout moments of her distinguished career.
