Shedding light on a 'crushing' condition

As Dame Judi Dench reveals her eyesight is failing, CAMILLA FOSTER learns more about what age-related macular degeneration means

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DAME Judi Dench, who jut turned 91, has opened up about her worsening eyesight.

The beloved actress was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, and says she can no longer see the television.

Speaking to the Radio Times Dame Judi described the decline in her vision as “crushing’, and added: “Well, I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing Mastermind, but I can hear the questions”.

Here Denise Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, explains what age-related macular degeneration is and the key symptoms people should be aware of.

What is age-related macular degeneration?

There are two main types of AMD - dry and wet, explains Denise. Dry AMD is the most common type.

“The cells at the back of the eye and the retina gradually degenerate with age and can lead to deposits called drusen,” says Denise.