AIM: To evaluate anxiety and depression symptoms and life quality in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients and investigate its affected factors in POAG patients.

METHODS: Sixty POAG patients diagnosed in outpatient department in two hospitals from June 2009 to June 2011 were included. The personal data and case history were recorded and the patients underwent the glaucoma drug therapy. The life quality and anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated by two instruments. Instruments applied included the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15(GQL-15)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).

RESULTS:The incidence of anxiety, depression, anxiety and depression in POAG was 33.3%,26.7%, 13.4%, respectively. Anxiety depression score and GQL-15 summary score was positively correlated with course, intraocular pressure, age, the species and price of drugs(P<0.05), and negatively correlated with income and vision(P<0.05). Compared with pre-therapy values, significant improvements were noted after hypotensive drug therapy in GQL-15 summary score, anxiety and depression scores(F_{anxiety scores} =9.54, F _{depression scores} =6.88, F_{GQL scores}=8.82; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: There are lower life quality, higher positive anxiety and depression rates in POAG patients.The course, income, age and intraocular pressure, the species and price of drugs in POAG patients were affected in life quality, anxiety and depression and hypotensive drug interventions can improve life quality, anxiety and depression in POAG patients.