laser eye surgery is a new technological advancement and, like most other new advancements, has yet to be perfected.
as for the side-effects, the technology hasn't existed long enough for anyone to tell of long term damage (many years down the track).
short term side-effects (6 months roughly) include DRY-EYES (36% of LASIK operations in 2006 got this) which is potentially permanent. ALSO patients could suffer from weird visual disruptions.. whereby they see halos and spots in their day to day vision.
personally.. anything touching your eyes or altering them in any way internally has major potential for damage. i say STICK WITH THE GLASSES UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE.
on the other hand.. the surgery could go impeccably well..
im just going by statistics.. 36% potential for permanent damage.
ask yourself.. would you get into a car if there was a 36% chance it was going to blow up while you were in it?