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Dame Judi Dench has opened up about her struggle with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that has significantly impacted her independence.
The renowned actress, best known for her role in the James Bond films, first disclosed her AMD diagnosis in 2012. Now at 90, the esteemed star from York has given a heartfelt update on how the condition has affected her daily life and acting career.
As her vision continues to decline due to aging, Dench has shared that she can no longer venture out without assistance.
Speaking at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as a patron, Dench candidly stated, “I can’t see any more. When I go to the theatre, I can’t see. Hopeless.”
The Oscar-winning actress, celebrated for her performance in “Shakespeare in Love,” has previously discussed how AMD has altered her lifestyle, including her inability to watch television. In January 2025, she appeared on Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast, where she admitted needing help whenever she leaves her home.
However, although she’s lives with AMD for more than a decade now, Judi remains committed to working and catching up on the latest TV gossip.
She says that although she can’t see much she just “deals with it” when it comes to being on set and reading scripts.
What is AMD?
According to the NHS, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their fifties.
It doesn’t cause total blindness, but it can make things like reading and recognising faces difficult.
The NHS states that without treatment, vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years, before it can then get worse quickly over a few weeks or months.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, however it has been linked to things such as ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.
Symptoms of AMD
AMD affects the middle part of your vision, not the edges (peripheral vision), according to the NHS. You can can get it in one eye or both.
The first symptom is usually blurred or a distorted area in the centre of your vision. If it gets worse, you may struggle to see anything in the middle of your vision.
AMD can mean things like reading, watching TV, driving or recognising faces become difficult.
Other symptoms include:
- Seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
- Being sensitive to bright light
- Seeing flickering or flashing lights
- Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
AMD isn’t painful and does not affect the appearance of your eyes.
Sometimes AMD is found during a routine eye test before any symptoms start showing. Experts advise to see an optician if you’re worried about your vision.
Early diagnosis and treatment may help stop your vision getting worse if you have a problem with your eyes.
It’s advised to get an urgent opticians appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- Your vision gets suddenly worse
- You have a dark “curtain” or shadow moving across your vision
- Your eye is red and painful
These symptoms can be signs of other eye problems that need to be treated straight away.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
What can you do to protect yourself from AMD?
Dr. Sarah Blackwelder, an optometrist based in the US, has taken to her TikTok account to share advice on what people can do to protect themselves from AMD.
She said in a video: “First and arguably the most important is to stop smoking. If you are or were a cigarette or tobacco smoker, that is highly linked to developing AMD. We definitely want you to quit.”
The expert then added: “Several studies have found that there is a link between AMD and an excess UV exposure, so anytime you’re outside, UV protective eyewear is a must.”
Cardiovascular disease is also linked to AMD, so Dr Blackwelder said preventing things like diabetes and high blood pressure as well as controlling them if you do have them is “really important”.
Next, she suggested making dietary changes, such as adding Omega-3s and consuming lots of green, leafy vegetables likes spinach and kale.
She said: “Those contain carotenoids that are really important for macular health.”
Lastly, the expert said regular eye examinations are key, because the sooner AMD can be spotted, the better.
