Judi Dench has clarified the seriousness of her eye condition telling fans that she is not going blind.

The 77-year-old actress had told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper over the weekend that she had to have scripts read to her because of her failing sight.

But she has now released a statement saying that it is not as bad as it was initially reported.

"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 told 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."

Judi told the Daily Mirror in her interview that even simple things like an evening out with friends was challenging.

"The most distressing thing is in a restaurant in the evening I can't see the person I'm having dinner with," she said.

The Oscar winning star is best known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love and playing spy chief M in several of the James Bond movies.

She is currently promoting new movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which is a comedy-drama set in India.