Judi Dench Discusses Impact of Vision Loss on Her Independence and Career

The 90-year-old actress reveals she can no longer go out alone due to macular degeneration, a condition that has also affected her ability to work.

Judi Dench, 90, shared on the Fearless podcast that she requires a companion whenever she goes out, as her worsening eyesight makes her prone to falling or walking into obstacles.
Diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, Dench emphasized that the condition affects central vision but does not lead to complete blindness.
The Oscar-winning actress revealed that her vision loss has made it impossible to read scripts or memorize lines, forcing her to rely on friends to help her learn dialogue through repetition.
Despite the challenges, Dench has continued to make public appearances and expressed a desire to work as much as possible, though she hinted at potential retirement due to her condition.
Dench’s career spans over seven decades, including iconic roles in Shakespeare in Love, the James Bond franchise, and numerous stage performances, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.