Dame Judi Dench says eye condition prevents acting and reading

Oscar winning actress Dame Judi Dench has stated that she can no longer perform on stage, act in films, or read due to her eye condition. Speaking to Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the BBC reported that Dench explained how her vision has deteriorated significantly since her diagnosis more than a decade ago. [1][2]

Dench was diagnosed in 2012 with age-related macular degeneration, a condition that severely affects central vision. According to the BBC, Dench said the condition makes it difficult to recognise faces and causes awkward encounters where she sometimes approaches strangers thinking they are people she knows. [1][2]

Dench has built a distinguished acting career spanning seven decades. She has received numerous major honours, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy Television Awards, six British Academy Film Awards, and seven Olivier Awards. [7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Dench recently signed a letter to the BBC director general urging the broadcaster to continue recording the radio drama The Archers in Birmingham. The news about her health comes as she steps away from active screen and stage roles. [1][8]