How successful is laser eye surgery?

I am an 18 year old girl who is shortsighted. I wear thick gles and I am considering the option of doing Laser Eye Surgery. I have heard the options contact lens and surgery would be ruled out if you have really bad eyesight that is why I want to do this surgery immediately before my eyesight gets any worse. BUT I am DEATHLY terrified of the risks involved such as blindness. I really want to fix my eyes because it is making me depressed wearing these thick gles all the time and doesn't help with my confidence. I feel like this is the biggest probably life changing decision I will ever have to make because it can either go good or bad.