Academy Award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has delivered a sobering health update, revealing that her long-standing battle with age-related macular degeneration has now cost her independence.
The 90-year-old acting legend, best known for her roles in James Bond and Shakespeare in Love, first disclosed her AMD diagnosis in 2012 and has now confirmed her eyesight has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer venture out without assistance.
The impact on daily life and career
Speaking recently at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as patron, Dench heartbreakingly confessed: "I can't see any more. When I go to the theatre, I can't see. Hopeless."
The condition has profoundly affected her daily routine, with the actress requiring companionship every time she leaves her home. Despite these challenges, the determined star continues to work in the industry she loves, adapting to read scripts and perform on set despite her limited vision.
Dench previously discussed how AMD has been altering her lifestyle during an appearance on Trinny Woodall's Fearless podcast in January 2025, where she first revealed needing assistance for outings.
Understanding age-related macular degeneration
According to NHS guidance, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the central part of vision, typically first appearing in people in their fifties.
While AMD doesn't cause complete blindness, it can make everyday activities like reading, watching television, driving, and recognising faces increasingly challenging. The condition usually develops gradually over several years, though it can sometimes worsen rapidly within weeks or months.
The exact cause remains unknown, but medical professionals have identified several risk factors:
- Ageing process
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Family history of AMD
Recognising symptoms and seeking help
AMD primarily affects central vision while leaving peripheral vision intact. The NHS identifies these key symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked
- Increased sensitivity to bright light
- Seeing flickering lights or hallucinations
The condition isn't painful and doesn't change the eye's appearance. Sometimes AMD is detected during routine eye tests before symptoms become noticeable.
Medical experts strongly recommend seeking immediate attention if you experience:
- Sudden vision deterioration
- A dark "curtain" or shadow moving across your vision
- Red, painful eyes
These symptoms could indicate other serious eye conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Protecting your eye health
Dr. Sarah Blackwelder, a US-based optometrist, has shared evidence-based recommendations for reducing AMD risk through social media platforms.
Her primary advice includes quitting smoking, which she describes as "highly linked to developing AMD." She also emphasises the importance of UV-protective eyewear when outdoors, noting studies connecting excess UV exposure with the condition.
Dr. Blackwelder highlights the connection between cardiovascular health and AMD, stressing the importance of preventing and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Dietary recommendations include incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids and consuming green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, which contain carotenoids crucial for macular health.
Regular eye examinations remain crucial, as early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes for age-related macular degeneration.
