I had my LASIK procedure about a year ago, and I could never be happier with the results. I started out with 20/320 vision with mild amounts of astigmatism in both eyes, which is not extremely terrible, but anything further than an arm's distance away was a blur. I wore glasses from about the second grade on through my life until last year.
The surgery was simple and relatively painless. I had a good deal of discomfort for a few days after the surgery, but nothing more than was expected. I left the room with 20/15 in my left eye and 20/20 in my right. Two days later I was back at work, staring into a computer screen for 12+ hours a day, without complications.
I interviewed 3 doctors in my area before I chose one, and had prepared a 50 question interview for each of them. The questions varied, but mostly asked about success rate percentages and overall numbers statistics, and "what if" scenarios. Be very careful on what information you base your criteria before choosing a refractive eye surgeon. Also, make sure they specialize in Cornea's or Cornea transplants.
You only have one set of eyes, so be careful who you choose to cut them up.
The Surgery process takes about 20-30 minutes, and is totally painless. Most good surgeons should be able to provide a "laser's eye view" video of an actual procedure, and walk you through it step by step, explaining anything you may not understand, or about which you may just be curious. I would recommend doing this with every doctor you consider to perform the surgery.
The best was the next day, after 20+ years of wearing glasses, I woke up, and reached over on the night stand to put on my glasses, and started to freak out b/c I couldn't find them. I start feeling my hand around near my nightstand, then realized what I was doing. I looked up and saw my alarm clock across the room with my own eyes, and no glasses. WOW!! What a liberating feeling!!
One year later, the day-to-day variations in my vision quallity are minimal (i barely notice), and it keeps getting better with time. I am still very sensitive to bright light and glares, but I always have been. You do have to stay out of smoky places that can irritate your eyes for a couple of weeks. This includes bars, clubs, and indoor shooting ranges!!!! Places like that can irritate, and possibly infect your sensitive condition post-op. The doctor will probably tell you to stay away from places like that for about 2 weeks, but I did it for a month to be on the safe side (I get infections more easily than some).
Bottom line is that LASIK was the best 30 minutes and $5000 I've ever spent in my life.
If this "essay" wasn't enough for you, feel free to contact me via email or PM or AOL or whatever. I'd be happy to explain anything that I can.
HTH
-Al