#SHOWBIZ: 'I can't act any more': Judi Dench opens up on heartbreaking sight loss

LONDON: Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has revealed that deteriorating eyesight has left her unable to perform on stage, act in films or read.

The 91-year-old, who was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, made this admission during a recent interview with Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I can't be on stage. I can't do a play any more. I can't do a film any more. I can't read any more," she said, describing the impact of the condition on her daily life and career.

The degenerative eye disease has also made it increasingly difficult for Dench to recognise faces.

She said she sometimes approaches the wrong person in public and nearly hugs them before realising her mistake.

Asked about growing older, the veteran actress responded: "There's nothing to say for it at all. I don't think about it too much."

Despite her vision loss, Dench has continued to make public appearances and speak candidly about adapting to life with the condition.

She has previously described relying on others to help her navigate professional commitments as her eyesight worsens.

Dench's career spans more than seven decades.

She won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for playing Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love (1998) and became internationally renowned as MI6 chief M in the James Bond films, making her debut in GoldenEye (1995).

The interview coincides with the release of her memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, written with theatre director Brendan O'Hea.

Dench also reflected on her love of Shakespeare, describing his sonnets as "the rhythm of your heart" and praising their ability to express universal human feelings.