Dame Judi Dench Says Eye Condition Prevents Acting, Reading

Dame Judi Dench, 91, has revealed that her ongoing battle with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) now prevents her from acting on stage or in films, and even from reading books.

Dench was diagnosed with the common condition, which affects central vision and makes recognizing faces difficult, in 2012. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to take on major roles and appeared in film cameos as recently as 2022, along with television appearances this year.

"I can't be on stage. I can't do a play anymore. I can't do a film anymore. I can't read anymore," Dench told the BBC's Today programme, describing the challenges of AMD. She noted that everyday interactions have become more difficult, sometimes leading to her accidentally approaching the wrong person for a hug.

To adapt to her deteriorating vision, Dench has found the radio to be an important resource. She has also utilized technology, reportedly using RayBan Meta glasses that convert text to speech. These glasses were suggested by the vision loss charity Sight for Surrey, for which Dench serves as a patron.

Despite these challenges, Dench has remained active, writing and promoting her new memoir, "Is It Too Late To Make A Run For It." She is also scheduled to return to the stage for a series of events with her friend and writing partner Brendan O'Hea to discuss the book.

Dench also recently shared her views on trigger warnings in media, stating in an extract from her memoir that she believes they have gone too far and contribute to "mollycoddling" audiences. She questioned where such warnings might end, using examples like a friend's aversion to bananas and suggesting that excessive warnings could detract from the audience's experience and enjoyment of a story. She expressed a desire for theater and films to be stimulating and provocative, taking audiences out of their comfort zones.