LASIK eye surgery is a quick, and seemingly simple procedure to undergo for better vision, but make sure you understand the risks before you make your final decision.

Even though doctors boast that complications are rare and a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology shows the results can last 10 years, the FDA has received reports of double vision, dry eye, night blindness and halos. Many factors could cause problems, including a surgeon’s error, equipment failure or lack of screening out patients who aren’t suited for the treatment in the first place. Also, it’s good to note that long-term data isn’t available yet because the procedure was only first approved in 1998.

Adverse affects range from the mild to severe. For farsighted individuals, the effectiveness may diminish as you get older. Some patients end up with severe dry eye syndrome because their eyes can no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye functioning properly. This can cause discomfort, blurriness and other vision changes. Not all surgeries result in 20/20 vision. You may need a second treatment to complete the procedure, or you may still need to use reading glasses, regular glasses or contact lenses. Nighttime vision can be affected, too, and patients may see halos, glares or double vision. Some patients even lose vision to the extent that it cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts after the procedure.

It’s important to remember that LASIK surgery is like any surgery; it often takes time for everything to return to normal. So, even if you experience side effects such as blurred vision or dryness, it may go away. Some post-surgery complications could subside in a few weeks, but it could take anywhere from three to six months for vision to stabilize after surgery.