Actress Judi Dench has been living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for over a decade and says the eye condition has taken a toll on 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 Oscar-winning actress, recognised for her role in Shakespeare in Love, has previously discussed how the eye condition has been altering her lifestyle, such as not being able to watch TV. In January 2025, she appeared on Trinny Woodall‘s Fearless podcast and confessed that she needs assistance every time she steps out of the house.
Despite living with AMD for over a decade now, Dame Judi remains dedicated to her work and keeping up with the latest telly chatter.
She admits that although her vision is limited, she just “deals with it” when it comes to being on set and reading scripts.
What exactly is AMD?
According to the NHS, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common ailment that impacts the central part of your vision. It typically first affects individuals in their fifties.
While it doesn’t lead to complete blindness, the condition can make tasks such as reading and recognising faces challenging.
The NHS warns that without proper treatment, one’s vision could deteriorate. This usually happens gradually over several years, but can also worsen rapidly 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
AMD primarily affects the central part of your vision, leaving the edges (peripheral vision) unaffected, says the NHS. It can occur in one or both eyes.
The first symptom typically is blurred or distorted area in the centre of your vision. As the condition progresses, you may find it difficult to see anything in the middle of your field of vision.
Tasks such as reading, watching telly, driving or recognising faces can become challenging due to AMD.
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 alter the appearance of your eyes.
Sometimes, AMD is detected during a routine eye test before any symptoms start showing. Experts recommend seeing an optician if you’re concerned about your vision.
Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent your vision from worsening if you have an eye problem.
It’s recommended to book an urgent appointment with an optician or seek 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 could indicate other eye problems that need immediate treatment.
You can ring 111 or get help from 111 online.
What can you do to help protect yourself from AMD
Dr. Sarah Blackwelder, a US-based optometrist, has taken to TikTok to share her top tips on how to fend off the condition.
In one of her videos, she emphasised: “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.”
She went on to say: “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.”
The expert also highlighted the connection between cardiovascular disease and AMD, stating that preventing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as managing them if you do have them, is “really important”.
She then recommended dietary changes, such as incorporating Omega-3s and eating plenty of green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
She explained: “Those contain carotenoids that are really important for macular health.”
Finally, Dr Blackwelder stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups, as early detection of AMD can make a significant difference.
