I've done *A LOT* of research on this, as I plan on getting it myself. I'd have had it done already, if not for the fact that my pre-operative checkup showed that I had 'narrow angles' (a condition that could lead to glaucoma) which I needed to have fixed. Ironically, it was done by laser surgery.
First off, there has never been an eye 'lost' to lasik surgery, so "My buddy lost an eye" boy there is just pissing up a rope. The one single incident involving permanent loss of all vision to the eye was a result of some schmoe doctor using a HOME MADE(!!) lasik device.
However, there are real risks involved with lasik, including complications that could lead to requiring a corneal implant. Risks include infection, overall degrading of visual acuity, light sensitivity, 'dry eye', and so forth. However, the incidence of these risks are generally quite low (well under 1%) and are
directly related to the experience of the doctor operating the lasik machine. This is why it's absolutely essential that you find the most experienced eye surgeon around to perform your procedure.
I've known dozens of people personally who've had lasik done, and without exception they've all loved it. One even went so far as to say "dude, it's like DVD quality eyes!" (he was young, obviously
) Only one person I know had any complications (infection) that cleared up and didn't require a second procedure.
Do your homework, know what to expect and what not to expect (ie. don't expect better-than-human vision when you're done, DO expect some post-operative vision issues until healing is done and your body re-adjusts) and you'll likely be fine. I have a few more months to go before they consider the effects of preventative surgery as being 'stabilized' and I can get tested again... I can't wait.