Dame Judi Dench has revealed that her deteriorating eyesight now prevents her from reading, acting in films, or performing on stage. The 91-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, shared the update in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Condition Limits Career and Daily Life
AMD affects central vision, making it difficult to see directly ahead. Dench has been open about her struggles, previously describing faces as appearing "in a fog" and noting that she has difficulty remembering appointments.
In the interview, she said: "I can't be on stage. I can't do a play any more. I can't do a film any more. I can't read any more." When asked about ageing, she added: "There's nothing to say for it at all. [I] don't think about it too much."
Adapting to Sight Loss
Dench has previously said it was a "crusher" that she can no longer watch television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing Mastermind but I can hear the questions," she said.
In 2023, she revealed that her failing eyesight was affecting her career and that she had to find alternative ways to work. "I can't see on a film set any more. And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it. It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script," she said.
Constant Support Needed
Due to her worsening condition, Dench now requires someone to accompany her at all times. "Somebody will always be with me. I have to now because I can't see and I will walk into something or fall over," she shared. "I'm always nervous before going to something. I have no idea why… I'm not good at being on my own at all, nor would I be now. And fortunately, I don't have to now because I pretend to have no eyesight."
