(To download this checklist in Microsoft Word format, click here.)

Refraction

1. What is my uncorrected visual acuity? Has it changed since my last visit and if so by how much?
2. Have I regressed? If so, how much?
3. What is my glasses prescription? Has it changed since my last visit?
4. What is my best corrected visual acuity?
5. (If less than 20/20) Do you expect it to improve? If not, why do you think this might have happened? Is there anything I can do about it?
6. Is my cycloplegic refraction different from my manifest refraction?

Slit-lamp exam

1. How do my flaps look?
2. Are there any folds or wrinkles (striae)? If so, what can be done about them?
3. Is there any sign of epithelial ingrowth?
4. Is there any evidence of DLK?
5. How is my epithelium? Are things healing nicely?
6. Is there any sign of any other problem?

Corneal scans

1. (Standard topography) How is my topography? Are things healing as expected? Is there anything in the topography which would suggest the possibility of vision quality problems?
2. (Orbscans) What is my corneal thickness at the thinnest point?
3. (Wavefront scans, if available) What do the numbers mean? Do they explain the visual symptoms I have described? Do you think there are other factors contributing too?
4. (All of the above) Can I please have colour copies of each of my scans to take home?

Dryness

1. Explain and discuss any moderate to severe dryness, when it is worst, and what treatments seem to be most effective for you (if any).
2. Ask for Schirmer’s test and results (probably a number between 1 and 30) and tear break-up time test and results (probably a number between 1 and 30)
3. Ask to have your meibomian glands expressed.
4. (If punctal plugs have been prescribed) Ask if your Schirmer’s results indicate you are aqueous deficient.

Visual disturbances

Explain and discuss any night vision problems, daytime vision problems, double vision/ghosting, or vision fluctuations.

Post-operative checklist

Review the appended list together and check any that apply to you. Ask your doctor to make a note of any checked items on your chart.

General medical matters

1. Mention any medications you are on and ask if they could be affecting your vision or dry eye.
2. Mention any allergies and how they may be affecting things.
3. Discuss whether vitamin supplements may benefit you.
4. Discuss any dietary concerns.
5. (Women) Discuss the role of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, lactation and HRT in your vision and in dry eye conditions.

Checklist for post-operative results

Please review the following list and check any complications, side effects or vision disturbances that apply. Some of these are clinically determined by the doctor while others must be reported by the patient.