@Wraithe Sharing just my own story, because I was in a similar place to you. My intent is just to share my experience, not argue against the article or anything.
Fwiw, that is how I felt for a long time too. I did a fair amount of research because my eyesight was so bad and I couldn’t wear contacts, and wearing glasses made some things I enjoy (swimming, etc) difficult. What I read was that complication rates are pretty darn high for the shopping mall “buy one get one free” LASIK type docs. And that’s mostly because they don’t turn people away who shouldn’t be getting it. And the rates are much lower for docs who are really good and are willing to say “this isn’t right for you.” I finally bit the bullet and went to a very well regarded doc in Chicago. He was super clear that he would tell me if he thought in any way my eyes weren’t a good candidate for it. He recommended PRK instead of lasik due to my eye shape. It went well and has totally changed my life. I do have some very mild side effects (eyes are slightly drier and lights at night have a slight star effect). But those don’t get in the way of my life.
Wraithe