The vision-correcting LASIK surgery has received much acclaim from people over the past decade. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said some people may be ignoring the risks and complications associated with this delicate surgery.

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgeons use a laser to cut a small flap in the cornea of the eye. The surgeon holds back this flap—then reshapes the corneal tissue with another laser. The procedure can be used to correct near- or farsightedness and, in some cases, astigmatism.

Some patients have experienced glare and halos around lights at night. And in extreme cases—some patients had to have corneal transplants when LASIK went wrong.

Norman Saffra, M.D., director of ophthalmology at Maimonides Medical Center in New York City, said those who should rule it out include people with a misshapen or excessively thin cornea.  He also recommends that people with early cataract formation or big pupils, dry eyes or underlying conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, not pursue the procedure.