With an increase in accessibility of laser pointers comes more potential for problems created by them; however, experts say the seriousness of the laser beams’ effects often is exaggerated by consumers.

Lt. Isra Harahap with the Department of Public Safety said the electronic toys can cause some apprehension when they are used in large crowds.

“There’s a concern since it’s used as a targeting tool for weapons; it’s just one of those things that you look for,” he said. “There’s a chance of it being a weapon, that somebody could get hurt.”

Another fear of the new laser trend is the damage lasers can do to eyes due to the concentrated light.

Dennis Hauglamd, an optometrist for Pearle Vision Express, said this should not be a major health concern.

“A true strong laser can burn through tissues, but the regular lasers don’t do damage; they’re just concentrated light,” he said.

Hauglamd said eye damage due to laser light is not a common problem because lasers that can cause damage to the eye are expensive compared to the cheaper light pointers sold at convenience and discount stores.

Richard Carlson, professor of agronomy, said he has not had a problem with the use of laser pointers during his lectures, and he does not think they will become a problem in the future. “They might just be a fad that lasts a little while,” he said.

John Clark, junior in computer science, said he has gotten a lot of enjoyment from his laser pointer.

“I have a couple of cats who chase the dot — it’s real entertaining to see them going nuts,” he said.

Clark said he got the laser at Target for about $15. Aside from teasing his cats, he said he also uses the laser when he’s “just goofing off” and has tried it out in class before.