The statistics on the levels of risk vary, with some sites quoting the risks at less than 1% whereas the Royal College of Ophthalmologists quote this at being under 5%.
Typical complaints tend to be dry eye which is somewhat of a formality, and to be expected, with others experiencing glare of halo effects when driving at night.
Complete loss of vision is very very rare and most providers do corrective follow ups if there are any complications.
Laser Eye Surgery is one of the safest and most life changing procedures carried out in the world. Don't let the hype put you off. If you do feel that you need corrective surgery, then make sure you do your homework, find the best provider for you, ask lots of questions and commit when you feel safe and reassured. For the most part, procedure takes 10 to 15 seconds. It is swift.
The most common side effect is dry eye. If you ask any of your friends that have had Laser Eye Surgery, or Lasik / Lasek as it is called in the States, they will be bound to tell you that they have experienced dry eye to some degree or another. As the old saying goes, you can't have a rainbow without some rain.
In 2009, a Consumer Reports Health survey reported that around 50% of Laser Eye Surgery patients experienced at least some sort of side effect and about 20% reported problems extending 6 months post surgery - the majority of those being dry eye which is easily treated with eye drops.
