Judi Dench Says She’s ‘Too Afraid To Go Out Alone’ Because Of Her Failing Eyesight

Judi Dench has enjoyed a successful movie career with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, the BAFTA Fellowship Award, the British Film Institute Fellowship Award, and the Society of London Theatre Special Award.

The 90-year-old screen legend, popular for her iconic portrayal of M in eight movies of the James Bond franchise, has, over the years, been dealing with a debilitating condition that has undoubtedly affected every aspect of her life, limiting her performance of the simplest of tasks to her most cherished passions. 

Judi Dench’s deteriorating eyesight is affecting her mobility

During an appearance on Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast, Dench shared her challenges with going out in public all by herself, admitting that she has never felt safe on her own. She revealed that she has always experienced anxiety before going to events, thus necessitating the need for a companion to go with her.

Dench further revealed that her worries about going out by herself have worsened. The actress noted that her deteriorating vision has made navigating public places harder for her as she constantly lives with the fear of bumping into things or even falling.

Judi Dench reveals that her eye condition has affected her career

In a 2022 interview, Judi Dench, who was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012, spoke on how her deteriorating vision has made it harder for her to see on stage and even read her scripts, forcing her to go more slowly in the entertainment business.

In spite of these challenges, the actress has managed to adjust and carry on doing what she loves. Dench explained that with the help of her friends who read her lines to her and her own photographic memory, she has created a hack for memorizing her lines over the years.