Dame Judi Dench Details Vision Loss in ITV Interview

Dame Judi Dench, the 90-year-old British actress, revealed in a recent ITV interview that her age-related macular degeneration has progressed to the point where she can no longer recognize faces or perform everyday tasks like reading and watching television. The update came during a November 25 conversation alongside her longtime friend and former co-star Sir Ian McKellen, as the pair reunited to promote a new approach to teaching Shakespeare in schools.

Dench, who first disclosed her diagnosis in 2012, explained the extent of her vision loss when the interviewer noted her reduced appearances on camera. "I can't see anymore," she said. "I can't recognize anybody now ... I can't see the television. I can't see to read." Turning to McKellen, with whom she starred in a 1976 Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth, Dench added that she could make out his outline only because "I know you so well." McKellen responded lightheartedly, noting that others could still see her clearly, and joked about whether she greeted strangers with familiar phrases like "lovely to see you again." Dench laughed and replied, "Yes, sometimes."

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the...