She’s one of the UK’s best-loved actors, but Dame Judi Dench has revealed she cannot attend red carpet premieres alone any more because her eyesight has become so poor.
Dame Judi suffers from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which she revealed back in 2012; a condition that has led to a slow decline in her eyesight.
Talking to Trinny Woodall on the Fearless podcast, Dame Judi – now aged 90 – said that red carpet appearances were becoming increasingly difficult and that whenever she goes out “somebody will always be with me”.
She has discussed in the past how macular degeneration has affected her career, hampering her ability to learn lines and see parts of the set. Although she remains resolute in her dedication to her profession, with her most recent role a small part in the Christmas film Spirited in 2022, she has described losing her eyesight as “one of the most traumatic moments” of her life.
Dame Judi is far from alone; more than 700,000 people are affected by the degenerative eye condition, the largest cause of sight loss in the UK. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your eyesight and reducing your risk of AMD.
Have regular eye examinations
Having an eye examination is an important health check for your eyes and can help detect irregularities early. For most people, its recommended you have your eyes tested every two years even if you don’t have vision problems or wear glasses.
Keep your eyes covered in the sun
UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can be harmful for your eyes and might increase the risk of cataracts or AMD. Wearing sunglasses or contact lenses with proper UV filters will protect them.
Manage screen time
Most of us spend a lot of time on our screens; taking frequent breaks can help protect your eyes. The Royal National Institute of Blind People suggests the “20, 20, 20” rule: taking a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes and to look at least 20 feet away.
Consider statins
Research from 2022 suggests that statins could reduce the risk of AMD. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, looked at data from nearly 40,000 people over the age of 50 throughout Europe. People on statins were 15 per cent less likely to develop AMD; the research also found that taking common drugs for type 2 diabetes, including metformin and insulin, reduced the risk of AMD by 22 per cent.
