We know lasers can be harmful to the eye and one problem is some if not many of the handheld lasers coming out of ... well, one big country often do not comply with standards. They present stronger beams than what they are certified for and some easily exceed the limits of Class 1.
Red lasers are the considered the least harmful but then you get into the green lasers. More powerful.. use more power and can cause more damage.
Before you just write off a laser as some kid with a handheld and not worth your worry, visit this website.
http://www.laserinstitute.org/public...r_safety_info/
A second site
http://www.microscopyu.com/articles/...sersafety.html
More
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_pointer
And take every beam serious. You never know.