Dame Judi Dench has announced that her aggravating eyesight has impacted her ability to work, stating she can no longer perform in films and plays or read scripts independently.
The 91-year-old Oscar-winning alum has age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an incurable eye condition she was diagnosed with in 2012.
Dame Judi Dench vision loss
The incurable disease affects central vision, making everyday activities such as recognizing faces and reading highly challenging.
In a conversation with Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dench described the impact of her condition on her acting career, stating, “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.”
Moreover, Dench explained that her sight loss sometimes leads to awkward encounters as the As Time Goes By star struggles to recognize people, occasionally approaching the wrong person before realizing her mistake.
Previously, the actress discussed the obstacles of learning scripts while appearing on The Graham Norton Show.
She stated memorising lines had become rapidly challenging and that she required assistance to detect where lines appeared on a page.
Dench has relied on friends to read scripts aloud and repeat dialogue until she can memorize it.
In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, she explained how she had adapted to her changing circumstances through repetition and support from those around her.
Despite these difficulties, Dench remains determined to stay connected to the entertainment world.
A glimpse into Dame Judi Dench's journey
The Cranford star’s career spanned over seven decades, Dench is renowned for her accomplishments like Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love and portraying MI6 chief M in eight James Bond films.
Judi Dench also underscored the significance of radio as her eyesight continues to deteriorate.
