Judi Dench Reveals Impact of Macular Degeneration on Her Career
The acclaimed actress discusses her struggles with age-related macular degeneration, which affects her ability to read, act, and perceive her surroundings.
Dame Judi Dench has shared the profound impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on her life and career, stating that she can no longer "be on stage, do a film and read anymore." The Oscar-winning actress revealed her diagnosis occurred in 2012, leading to difficulties in reading scripts and recognizing faces.
Dench described a recent instance where she was unable to appreciate the sight of bluebells, a natural phenomenon she was told was "absolutely sensational" during the summer. "I couldn't see one," she recounted to the BBC's Emma Barnett.
The veteran performer discussed these challenges ahead of the release of her memoir, "Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?" written with fellow actor Brendan O'Hea, which is set to be published in the UK at the end of October. Dench spoke with O'Hea for the BBC interview, reflecting on her experiences with AMD.