Actress Judi Dench claims that her age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has had a negative impact on both her sight and independence.
Dame Judi Dench has heartbreakingly revealed that she has lost her independence and can’t venture out alone due to suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The James Bond star first disclosed in 2012 that she was battling AMD, a condition that can impair your vision. Now, at the age of 90, the York-born actress has given an update on her health status and how it’s affecting her daily life and illustrious acting career.
As her eyesight has severely deteriorated with age, Dame Judi has confessed that she can’t leave the house without a companion now. Speaking at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as a patron, she lamented: “I can’t see any more. When I go to the theatre, I can’t see. Hopeless.”
The actress, who won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love, has previously discussed how the eye condition has been affecting her way of life, including ceasing to watch TV. She confessed to Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast in January 2025 that she always needs assistance when she leaves the house.
Dame Judi continues to be dedicated to her work and stay up with the most recent television chatter despite having lived with AMD for more than ten years.
She acknowledges that she only “deals with it” when she is on set and reading scripts, despite having a limited vision.
What does AMD exactly mean?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the central portion of your vision, according to the NHS. Individuals in their fifties are typically the first to be affected.
Although it doesn’t cause total blindness, the condition can make difficult tasks like reading and recognizing faces.
One’s vision might deteriorate without proper care, according to the NHS. This typically develops gradually over a number of years, but it can also quickly worsen over a few weeks or months.
The exact cause of this ailment remains a mystery, but it has been associated with factors like ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of AMD.
symptoms of AMD
According to the NHS, AMD primarily affects the central portion of your vision, with the edges (peripheral vision) unaffected. One eye can experience it, or both.
The center of your vision is typically distorted or blurred, usually the first symptom. You might find it challenging to see anything in the middle of your field of vision as the condition progresses.
Due to AMD, tasks like reading, watching TV, driving, or recognising faces can become challenging.
Other signs include:
- Seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
- being sensitive to bright light
- Seeing flashing or flickering lights
- Halucinations are seeing things that aren’t there.
Your eyes won’t be affected by AMD because it is not painful.
AMD may be discovered during a routine eye examination before symptoms start to manifest. If you’re concerned about your vision, experts advise you to see an optician.
If you have an eye condition, early detection and treatment may stop your vision from deteriorating.
If:
- Your vision suddenly gets worse.
- A shadow or “curtain” of darkness is moving through your vision.
- Your eye is painful and red.
These symptoms might point to other eye conditions that require immediate attention.
You can ring 111 or get help from 111 online.
What steps can you take to guard against AMD?
Optometrist Dr. Sarah Blackwelder from the US has taken to TikTok to share her top advice for preventing the condition.
She emphasized that “to stop smoking is probably the most important thing in one of her videos.” That has a strong correlation with developing AMD if you smoke or used tobacco. You must leave without a doubt.
According to her, “UV protective eyewear is a must whenever you’re outside, because several studies have found that there is a link between AMD and excessive UV exposure.”
The expert added that it is “really important” to prevent diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure as well as managing them if you do, as well as the association between cardiovascular disease and AMD.
She then suggested making dietary modifications, such as consuming plenty of green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and incorporating Omega-3s.
She continued, “Those have carotenoids that are incredibly crucial for macular health.”
Source: Mirror
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