'I Can't Recognise Anybody' — Judi Dench Reveals Devastating Health Update

In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actress spoke candidly about losing her ability to read, watch television, or recognise familiar faces.

Dame Judi Dench has spoken openly for years about living with age-related macular degeneration, the condition that slowly erodes central vision. Diagnosed in 2012, she has often used her platform to raise awareness.

Now, as her sight declines further, she is speaking with a new bluntness about how deeply it affects her day-to-day life. In a recent appearance on ITV News in late November 2025, Dench delivered a heartbreaking update, admitting:

"I can't see anymore. I can't recognise anybody now."

The 91-year-old added, "I can't see the television. I can't read." When asked, half-jokingly, if she ever mistakenly greeted strangers with a familiar "Lovely to see you again," Dench laughed and responded, "Sometimes."

Less than two weeks later, and with her 91st birthday approaching, the actress shared further reflections in an interview with Radio Times, describing the decline in her vision as "crushing."

Although her trademark wit and spirit remain intact, the impact of AMD is increasingly evident in her everyday life. "Well, I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing 'Mastermind,' but I can hear the questions," she said, revealing the personal and emotional cost of losing her sight.

Dench's openness has once again prompted a surge of public support. Social media has been flooded with heartfelt reactions as fans grapple with the reality of the Hollywood icon's health struggles.

"Devastating to learn this, not least bc the rest of her health seems so good. we love you, dame judi ❤️ [sic]," said one person. "How sad is this 😢," shared another. "Such a beautiful lady how cruel life can be at times Wishing you well [sic]."

In response to Dench's remarks, Denise Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, outlined the condition's key facts.

Another typed, "😢 Judi is an absolute legend!! I adore her !😍😍 I feel sad to hear this I really do ..so cruel because of reading scripts etc .. bless you Judi ❤️ all the very best wishes ❤️[sic]."

One person commented, "This is such a devastating disease. My mom suffered with this it started in her late 70s by her 80s she was blind. She couldn't see the TV she couldn't see to read. It completely diminishes the quality of life in elderly people we've got to find a cure for this [sic]."

Offering a broader perspective, another netizen said, "Imagine 90 years old and still moving, just needing assistance due to her eye sight issues. Our bodies were not made to live so long but we are and if we get to we are blessed."

"Aging is tough but at 90 I applaud her honesty where other Hollywood actors/ actresses are not," the comment continued.

Denise Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, explained what Dench’s diagnosis means medically. She said AMD comes in two forms:

• Dry AMD, the most common, progresses slowly as retinal cells deteriorate with age.
• Wet AMD is rarer but far more aggressive, caused by leaking blood vessels that quickly damage central vision. Typical early signs include distorted lines, blurred central vision and increased sensitivity to light.

The risk increases with age, and other factors include family history, smoking, and poor diet. Around one in 200 people is affected by age 60. Voon further revealed:

"One of the really common things that people complain about is they just can't recognise faces because it's just that central part that's been blurred out."

Dry AMD has no NHS-approved treatment, but private options are emerging. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF eye injections, which slow abnormal blood vessel growth.

Voon stressed that regular eye tests are vital, as early detection can preserve vision. Lifestyle changes — particularly quitting smoking, eating a leafy green-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring blood pressure — can all reduce the risk or slow progression.

Ultimately, Dame Judi Dench's candour has both deepened understanding of AMD and reopened a wider conversation about what ageing looks like in real life — and how people adapt to it.