: I just bought a laser pointer and noticed the warning about shining it into eyes. Does anyone know what happens to the eye if one is shined into it and is any damage permenant ? Will just a quick flash do damage ? Has there been verified cases of damage?

Lasers are indeed dangerous. High energy levels (Watts/sq M) are very high - that's why lasers can be used in surgery.

Visable lasers do not present as big a hazard as IR lasers - the logic being that a person is smart enough to look away from a bright visible light. But, laser energy can be high enough to destroy the cells of the retina.

Your laser pointer will be very low power, but why risk you vision or that of your friends!