Dame Judi Dench on Her Deteriorating Eyesight
Dame Judi Dench has revealed that her eyesight has worsened so significantly that she can no longer watch television or theatre performances. The 90-year-old actress suffers from macular degeneration, a leading cause of rapid and permanent central vision loss, especially in people over 50.
Impact on Daily Life and Performances
Speaking at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as patron, Dame Judi shared the personal effects of her condition:
“I can't see any more. When I go to the theatre, I can't see. Hopeless.”
She also admitted difficulties with television, mentioning her inability to see her friend Dame Celia Imrie on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors series, though she still enjoyed hearing about the events.
“Somebody told me what was happening. I want to hear the dirt that went on.”
Previous Disclosures and Current Challenges
Dame Judi first disclosed her battle with macular degeneration in 2012. In a January episode of Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast, she gave a candid update on how the condition affects her mobility and independence:
- She always has someone with her now due to her poor vision to prevent accidents.
- She experiences anxiety before attending events and struggles with being alone.
- She often pretends to have no eyesight for safety and support.
“Somebody will always be with me. I have to now because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”
“I’m always nervous before going to something. I have no idea why… I’m not good at being on my own at all, nor would I be now.”
Summary
Dame Judi Dench's advancing macular degeneration has severely limited her vision, deeply affecting her ability to enjoy theatre and television, while challenging her independence and daily life.