"It's a huge blow for Judi because acting has always been her great passion," admits the source. "But she's always been incredibly practical, so she's plowing ahead and accepting her new normal," which includes following doctors' advice.
During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4's Today program, the Oscar-winning actress, 91, revealed just how bad her vision has gotten since being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012. "I can't be on stage. I can't do a play anymore. I can't do a film anymore. I can't read anymore," she revealed.
Dench "won't be signing on for anything that she can't handle, but she's certainly not lying down and giving up on life," the source notes. "She's still going to be making appearances and she's got plans to do more charity work. She's also determined to keep having as much fun as possible."