5 Famous People Who Faced Macular Degeneration - And What We Can Learn from Them
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone - celebrities, artists, writers, and everyday people alike. The vision loss caused by AMD often creeps in slowly, clouding central vision and making daily life more difficult. But as the stories of these five well-known figures show, it doesn’t have to stop you from living life fully, working creatively, or making an impact on the world.
Whether you're facing AMD yourself or supporting someone who is, take a look at how these individuals coped with their diagnosis - and how they spoke about their journey.
1. Dame Judi Dench – "I'm not going to be beaten by my eyes."
The legendary British actress has been vocal about her struggle with AMD, revealing she has the dry form in one eye and the wet form in the other. Despite her deteriorating vision, she continues to work on stage and screen.
“I just want to go on being mobile, really, and being able to do things. I’m not going to be beaten by my eyes.”
— Dame Judi Dench
She now memorizes her scripts with assistance, and sometimes has others read them aloud to her.
2. Stephen King – "What I see out of the corners."
The master of horror fiction revealed in the late 1990s that he had a genetic predisposition to AMD.
“That’s the part I want to keep as a man and as a writer – what I see out of the corners.”
While his condition hasn't stopped him from continuing to write, his quote reminds us of how precious peripheral vision becomes when central vision begins to fade.
3. Ernest Borgnine – A Quiet Advocate
Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine developed AMD later in life. Though he didn't go on a media campaign about it, he became a spokesperson for the National Eye Institute and encouraged awareness.
He once noted that he could still read “in good light,” and took vitamin supplements to slow the progression.
4. Don Knotts – Perspective is Everything
Best known as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, Don Knotts was diagnosed with AMD in his 50s.
“I got pretty depressed for a while… And then one day I said to myself, ‘I bet a blind person would give his right arm to have the vision I have.’”
That shift in perspective helped him continue working - and living - on his own terms.
5. Henry Winkler – An Advocate by Choice
While not diagnosed himself, actor Henry Winkler became an AMD advocate after witnessing his father-in-law’s struggle with the condition.
“Devastating. And that’s why the sooner you start taking care and going to your eye doctor, the more opportunities you have to keep your eyesight for as long as possible.”
His mission is to raise awareness so others can take steps earlier.
The Takeaway: You’re Not Alone – And You’re Not Powerless
These celebrities and artists didn’t let AMD stop them. Whether through humor, determination, or advocacy, they found ways to continue doing what they loved – even when seeing the world became more difficult.
But while their stories are inspiring, it’s also important to know that you can take action today to help protect your vision. One of the most powerful tools you have? Your plate.
Start Cooking for Your Eyes
The Cook With Doc website is filled with AMD-friendly recipes designed to support your eye health. Packed with leafy greens, bright vegetables, healthy fats, and nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3s, these meals are as delicious as they are beneficial.
Browse the Cook With Doc recipes now and start cooking to slow the progress of AMD.
Your vision - and your taste buds - will thank you.
