I have had bad eyesight for my whole life and I ...

Here is the link to a website published by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/

It will describe to you what lasik surgery is, when is lasik not for you, what are the risks, what you should expect, it includes a lasik checklist, glossary and answers to many frequently asked questions.

You will find out that lasik is not for everyone but check the site out and see if it right for you.

Good luck and best wishes. 

There are multiple types of eye surgery that are available, not just LASIK. You can read more about them

Like tiptopmanager said. Laser eye surgery isn't for everyone.

You can check out more info on eye exercises on the net.

I'm personally going to buy a course on eye exercises from http://www.improve-your-eyesight-naturally.com

I'd rather go with natural methods first (if they work) and risk my eyes last with laser eye surgery (if they don't work). I'll do whatever I have to before going with surgery. Thats just my opinion.

Do some research online first and make an informed decision before you take a leap.

Good luck

Do your research. Here are some lasik articles you may wish to read:
What is Lasik
Lasik Eye Surgery Information
Ask Tough Questions before Having Custom LASIK Surgery
Laser Eye Surgery: Demystifying LASIK
If You Want To See Like New, Do The Lasik Surgery
LASIK Eye Surgery: What You Need to Know

Lasik eye surgery is overkill and I wouldn't recommend it as a first line of treatment.

I know a guy who had great success with some simple eye exercises . Sounds silly I know but it does work and has sound scientific basis. It's been used since the 1800's and was first invented by a gent called Dr Bate's.

You can read about some of the simple eye exercises here .