Dame Judi Dench: What is the eye condition the actress suffers from?

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror,Dame Judi Dench shared the impact of her ongoing health issues. This is quite a rare occurrence, as the actress is usually very private about her personal life.

In the interview, the actress who made history by winning 8 Olivier Awards in 2016, reveals that her condition called 'macular degeneration' is now impacting her work greatly. Indeed, in the interview she reveals that she finds it increasingly hard to see on set. But this isn't all. She also talks about her issues with reading, meaning that she can no longer read scripts.

So what is 'macular degeneration' and how does it progress? And most importantly, what does it mean for Dame Judi Dench's career?

Judi Dench's health struggles

Dame Judi Dench's issue regarding her eyesight was brought to life in 2012 when she was diagnosed with 'age-related macular degeneration.' In her interview with The Mirror she reveals that the diagnosis came as 'terrible shock to the system.'

This is understandable when you look at her prolific career. Not only was she successful on stage as we mentioned earlier, but she is also know for her role as M in the James Bond saga. The actress who started her career in 1957 at the Old Vic Theatre in London, has been in over 60 films. Her eye sight problems are now challenging her career.

She explains:

I mean I can’t see on a film set any more. And I can’t see to read.

This is a massive hurdle the actress is working hard to overcome. She discusses how she is continually trying to find ways to learn her lines, mentioning her 'many friends' who teach her the script. But this is a new way of working that she is still adapting to, as Judi Dench is gifted with 'photographic memory.'

However, the actress is more resilient than most and she assures her fans that she will not be retiring. But that instead she will 'get on.'

Read more:Dame Judy Dench reveals acting has become 'impossible' due to difficult health condition

What is 'macular degeneration'?

Dame Judi Dench diagnosis sheds light on this condition which affects people over 50 and 60. According to the NHS, the condition is 'common' and comes with age. It impacts the 'middle part of your vision' but 'doesn't cause total blindness.'

This condition of which the cause is unknown impacts everyday life. As Judi Dench has shared, it makes it hard to read and even drive. For instance, the actress had to give up her driving license in recent years.

There are clear symptoms to look out for such as a 'blurred or distorted area in your vision' or 'colours looking less bright than normal.'

For people like Judi Dench who need their eyesight for work, there is possible treatment but, as she highlights, the condition may mean being 'dependent of people.'

According to Macu Health the condition takes between '5-10 years to progress from early-stage to advanced stages.' The publication and the NHS also insist that it is crucial to schedule regular eye check-ups in order to diagnose the condition early.

Read more: Watery eyes: Here's what it could mean for your health

Sources:

The Mirror: Judi Dench says it's 'ghastly' to be 'so dependent' on others and unable to read scripts

NHS: What is AMD?

Macu Health:Macular Degeneration Progression Timeline & What to Expect