A driving device adapted to drive a discharge lamp including first and second electrodes adapted to generate discharge light, a primary reflecting mirror disposed on a side of the second electrode and adapted to reflect the discharge light, a secondary reflecting mirror disposed on a side of the first electrode and adapted to reflect the discharge light. The driving device includes: a deterioration detection section adapted to detect a degree of progression of deterioration in the first and the second electrodes; and a deterioration handling section adapted to increase first anode power energy, which is supplied while the first electrode acts as an anode, in accordance with the degree of progression of the deterioration detected by the deterioration detection section.