Yes even short term exposure can reduce visual acuity and disable you from flying
I am not an expert, but my understanding is that although the green laser beam is more dangerous than other wavelengths, permanent damage - in effect burning of the retina - takes up to a minute, and at the ranges involved in criminals pointing lasers from the ground probably much longer if at all. All depends on the power which in turn depends on the generator and distance
So I would be far more concerned about my ability to manage the aircraft than about my sight