To examine the degree of depression and anxiety in Korean patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate the influence of mood disturbance on patient's treatment satisfaction and compliance.

Forty-four patients with AMD and thirty-three controls comprised the study populations. Patients and controls rated themselves on the Korean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The effect of mood disturbance on the patient's satisfaction and compliance was evaluated.

The depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in patients with AMD. The mood disturbance was negatively correlated with the patient's satisfaction and compliance. 14 patients (31.8%) were lost to follow-up 1 year later. The depression and anxiety scores of these patients were higher than those of remaining thirty patients.

Depression and anxiety of patients with AMD affect on patient's satisfaction and compliance. So recognition and management of mood disturbance may help improving visual function and maintaining quality of life in patients.