Acclaimed British actress Dame Judi Dench has shared a heartbreaking update about her deteriorating health, revealing she has now completely lost her sight and can no longer leave her home alone.
Living with Sight Loss
The 90-year-old James Bond star, who first disclosed her diagnosis with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, has seen her condition worsen significantly over the past decade. During a recent appearance at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as patron, Dench made the emotional confession about her current situation.
"I can't see any more," she stated frankly. "When I go to the theatre, I can't see. Hopeless."
Impact on Daily Life and Career
The Oscar-winner for Shakespeare in Love explained how the condition has stripped her of independence, requiring constant assistance whenever she ventures outside. Speaking on Trinny Woodall's Fearless podcast in January 2025, Dench admitted: "I have to [have someone] now because I can't see. And I will walk into something or fall over. I'm always nervous before going to something."
Despite these significant challenges, the determined actress refuses to let her condition end her career. She has developed methods to continue working, explaining that she simply "deals with it" when navigating film sets and reading scripts.
Staying Connected and Positive
Remarkably, Dench maintains her passion for television and remains determined to stay current with popular culture. She's particularly fond of BBC's The Traitors and relies on friends to keep her updated on the programme's developments, especially concerning her friend Celia Imrie's involvement.
The condition affecting Dench, age-related macular degeneration, impacts approximately 700,000 people in the UK annually. The disease causes blurring of central vision, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
Even as she navigates this challenging chapter, Dame Judi Dench's spirit remains unbroken, continuing to pursue her acting passions while adapting to her changing circumstances.
