Dame Judi Dench has provided an update regarding her vision challenges stemming from age-related macular degeneration.
In a recent interview, the 90-year-old actress shared that she “cannot see anymore,” which prevents her from enjoying activities like watching television or reading. Dench was first diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012.
When asked about her absence from acting or on-screen appearances, she candidly replied, “No, I’m not. I can’t see anymore.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for someone who has spent decades captivating audiences with her performances.
Dench noted, “I have that thing,” referring to her declining eyesight. In a light-hearted moment, her friend Ian McKellen remarked, “But we can see you,” to which Dench humorously acknowledged her limited recognition of others, saying she could identify McKellen due to their long-standing friendship, but not much else.
Her inability to read scripts or memorize lines has made returning to acting increasingly difficult, as she mentioned during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” earlier this year. It’s evident that her struggles with vision loss have profoundly impacted her life.
Age-related macular degeneration is unfortunately the leading cause of severe vision impairment in individuals over 50. Dench stated in January that she can no longer venture out alone due to her eyesight issues, expressing, “Someone is always with me.” This loss of independence is certainly challenging, and Dench, with her characteristic humor, shared that she feels anxious before social gatherings, admitting her discomfort with solitude.
She added, “I always get nervous before going to something. I don’t know why… I’m not good at being alone at all.” Yet, she finds relief in laughter, even joking about pretending to be blind at times.
