Judi Dench Says Deteriorating Eyesight Ends Her Acting Career

Veteran British actress Judi Dench said that her deteriorating eyesight has left her unable to perform on stage, make films or read, more than a decade after her diagnosis with age-related macular degeneration.

Speaking to Emma Barnett on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, the 91-year-old Oscar winner opened up about how the condition has altered her daily life and independence.

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision and makes recognizing faces and reading difficult, though it does not cause total blindness.

Dench said during the interview: "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."

The actress stated that she could not see the interviewer's face at all, and admitted that her impaired vision often leads to awkward social encounters.

Dench said: "I go up to lots of the wrong people and give them a hug and say, 'oh sorry, didn’t realise'."

She also expressed regret over missing natural sights during the summer, noting that she was unable to see the bluebells that others found sensational.

Dench was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, which she noted also affected her mother.

She previously stopped driving a few years ago, describing the decision as one of the most traumatic moments of her life.

When asked how she felt about ageing, Dench replied: "Ageing? Rubbish. There’s nothing to say for it at all."

Earlier this year, officials announced that The Shaftesbury Theatre in London will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027.

It remains to be seen how the actress will approach future public appearances as her vision continues to deteriorate.