This story is for anyone who has had Lasik surgery - like me - and anyone considering it.

Complications can happen. Your ophthalmologist can tell you about them.

But what he probably won't tell you about are the possible long-term complications.

And it's not because he's hiding anything - it's because he may not know.

"It was like a facelift, it really was, to see for the first time in 20 years without glasses," says Dawns Pitts, a Lasik patient.

That's what every patient who has Lasik hopes to achieve.

"Oh, it was horrible, I was terrified. What happened was during the surgery, when he started to cut the flap, the flap came totally off," she adds.

Dawn Pitts is among a growing number of people who experience a Lasik complication. In her case, surgeon error. But it was correctable.

About 1 in 5 Lasik patients will need surgery again - to have problems fixed.

That's where corneal specialist, Dr. David Cano, comes in.

He believes not everyone who wants Lasik should get it - particularly patients with unrealistic expectations, chronic dry eyes, or large pupils.

"I think patients who aren't good candidates are patients who have high degrees of correction and also have thinner corneas," says Dr. Cano.

Thin, weak corneas - remember that.

First, an explanation of how Lasik works. The doctor shaves a thin slice of the cornea lifts it up, performs the laser correction, and then lays back the flap.

Dr. Percy Amoils, a South African ophthalmologist, is leading the charge against Lasik.

"If I was asked the question, would I let any member of my family have this operation? The answer is no - because I feel the long-term results can be serious."

Dr. Amoils believes the cornea never heals. It will weaken and eventually bulge. And the only way to regain your sight is by wearing hard contacts. Nothing else works.

The problem is called corneal ectasia.

How do the U.S. experts respond to that?

Dr. Amoils has some credible arguments.

In our own group of data from the U.S., corneal ectasia is very uncommon, although I think there needs to be concern.

So, should you be worried if you have had Lasik? Should you delay upcoming surgery?

Probably not, but take this precaution:

All ophthalmologists should measure the thickness of the cornea before doing the surgery, mainly because you need to know whether or not you have the safety zone.

The key is to be an informed patient isn't it? Absolutely.

Knowing the risks, and having gone through a complication. What does Dawn Pitts think?

Would you recommend Lasik surgery to someone else?

"Highly, highly recommend it...it's worth it to see 20-20," Pitts responds.

Later this month, on May 21, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery is meeting in Boston.

That's when Dr. Percy Amoils will present his findings.