I actually had what's called PRK. It's an older procedure than LASIK and safer (it still uses lasers, though). But it takes longer to heal from. It was SO VERY WORTH IT, though. Cost me $4k, which I put on my Care Credit card and paid off within the year, so I had no interest. But I LOVE being able to see in the morning, and I've saved so much money on contacts and glasses. The only thing is, it doesn't fix night blindness, and can sometimes make it worse, but I was mildly nightblind to begin with. I just deal with it.
I wish you lived here! I would drag you to belly dancing classes with me.