Contacts aren't totally risk-free either. Not exactly sure what the issue was (this was pre-wikipedia), but my doctor had me stop using contacts since he was concerned my vision was getting worse due to them.

I looked into PRK and was on the fence about it, was unconvinced that there is a big difference besides the psychological benefit of "no cutting". Lasik had no pain either during the surgery, so I think considering the slower recovery PRK would have just been more painful total.