We know that there are laser pointer of suing different colors. But this classification is not actually serves the purpose. The real classification is based on the wavelength and the output power of the laser pointers. The laser pointer has been categorized under four heads. Since 1970, the laser pointers has been classified on the basis of their damaging capacity. Let us start with the class one and end the classification with the class four. According to the old system, which was in use before 2002 the class one laser pointer has minimum hazard or no hazards if one uses them and the intensity of damage increases with the increase in class. The class four, laser pointer has highest hazard, which can damage the eye or skin.

After the year 2002, a new classification was used for laser pointers. Under the new system or the revised system, the laser pointers are classified not in a complete different way, but it exposes the knowledge of the laser pointer that the mankind has accumulated over the years by using them. Following a new standard some laser pointer, which earlier was recognized, as hazardous know has been place under less hazardous categories. From the year 2007, the revised has been introduced and this revised system is followed in USA. This classification has been made keeping in mind all the safety standards.

According to the old system, the laser pointer has been classified in to four categories, which include class I, class II, Class II a, class III a, class III b and class IV. Under the revised classification all the laser pointers are classified under the following category: class 1, Class 1 Mb, class 2, class 2M, class 3 R, class 3B and class 4. However all these classification of laser is clearly associated with permissible maximum emissions. This Maximum Permissible Emission or MPE in short determine the damaging effect of the laser pointer.