To be honest ... ... it isn't something I've ever given ANY (previous) thought to.

But apparently, the British Airline Pilots' Association is thoroughly convinced of the risks posed by *beams emitted from laser pointers on account of *their deleterious effects on the eyesight of cockpit staff ... and is calling for them to be classified as offensive weapons:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35580261

Having read this article, they most definitely should!