I'm really considering going in for Lasik, but I've heard a couple of horror stories. I know there are potential complications in anything, but what is the real risk of permanent damage?

I would just be sure to ask your Dr. a lot of questions, and be aware that many people have dry eyes after surgery, and not everyone just 'sees perfect' right away.... my Dr. said 3-6 weeks, and he says everyone heals differently, it's been 3 weeks for me and still blurry at a distance and somewhat also upclose a lot of the time, but my eyesight is definitely improved from before, and hopefully will continue and the blurriness will go away after another month! But if it would continue like it is now I would definitely not be satisfied. but I'm assuming I am still in the healing stages since the Dr. says it is normal and to be patient and should be good by the end of January. It's REALLY hard being patient when you can't see, and can't put on any glasses or contacts to fix it and have to wait it out. a lot of people are very happy with their results and I hope I am one of those people in the end.... just be aware of some of the things that happen and sometimes the very slow healing process, and be prepared to be patient, if you can do that you should be ok. :) It's not always just a quick fix in one day..... . . . even though you are in and out of the office in an hour.
Cari