Judi Dench has angrily denied reports she is going blind, playing down concern over her degenerative eye condition.
The 77-year-old British actress revealed she had been diagnosed with macular degeneration in an interview published on the weekend.
Judi’s admission led to speculation the actress would completely lose her sight and be unable to work, both claims that she has vehemently denied.
“In response to the numerous articles in the media concerning my eye condition — macular degeneration — I do not wish for this to be overblown,” Judi said in a statement to Reuters.
“This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with. It’s something that I have learnt to cope with and adapt to — and it will not lead to blindness.”
Macular degeneration is a painless condition that erodes central vision, leading to blindspots. Peripheral sight is unaffected.
In Judi’s case, the condition has left her unable to read scripts, or see the person sitting opposite her at the dinner table.
“I can’t read scripts anymore because of the trouble with my eyes,” she told the UK’s Daily Mirror. “Somebody comes in and reads them to me, like telling me a story.
“The most distressing thing is in a restaurant in the evening I can’t see the person I’m having dinner with.”
Judi said she had received treatment for her condition and hoped it would prevent further eyesight deterioration.
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