There are reports of pilots who have had to look away or hand control of a landing airplane over to a co-pilot after similar incidents from more powerful light show lasers. Laser experts agree that transient visual effects are possible and should be addressed. These effects are called glare, flashblindness, and afterimage. While there are slight differences in the definitions scientists use for these terms, they all refer to some vision disruption that lasts only a few seconds or minutes. The Laser Institute of America has received one report where exposure to a laser pointer startled a bus driver resulting in a traffic accident.
People often have strong psychological reactions to being illuminated with a laser beam.
One researcher found that at times people receive eye injuries, not from the beam itself, but by a strong response that includes vigorously rubbing or sticking their fingers in their eye. Laser pointers are making their way into the public consciousness. The Laser Institute of America feels that further regulation of laser pointers should now be considered. One viable option is to further limit the power that laser pointers can emit. Education is also key.