How damaging is reflected light?

[microlap]

Hey guys
So I have this kinda rare/weird issue and I can't find any info on the matter.

I'm a calligrapher and I write on different surfaces, and to make lines straight you need to rule them out.
Or one can use a laser (laser level, to be precise) to make lines on any surface. I put it by my side and point outwards so the beam/light is on paper/wall.
My question is: can it be damaging over time? I understand it's not direct light or reflection from a mirror, but everything you see is still reflected laser light, right?
So what if I write for an hour or two, does it accumulate the 'damage' to the eyes? Other than that I have a well lighted room and never thought about eye strain or damage, but seeing this line for hours is making my think if I should drop it. I'm using a tiny IIIA class laser and can't find any info on this.

Thanks

 

[diachi]

I'm assuming you're using one of those little red (or even green) Class IIIA line lasers? In which case - no - the damage isn't cumulative. You need to be above a certain power threshold where the light is intense enough to physically burn your retina.

There are some other issues with blue/UV light, but that's a different topic altogether.

 

[microlap]

Yes, it's basically a small laser pointer with a prism.

Thank you