Quote:

Sorry, there is no such thing as an eye safe laser. Even the red sub 5mw units sold will cause damage if viewed for a short time.



I agree that you cannot say any laser is "safe" but the Class 3a red lasers have been shone directly into human retinas for minutes at a time with no damage other than temporary bleaching (white spots), but the green 3a lasers have caused physical damage but not noticeable to the test subjects apparently:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2005-rst/2800.html

Gareth