Can staring at an L.E.D. flashight be dangerous?

If you have time will you please settle a family dispute. will staring at an l.e.d. flashlight or shining it directly into someone's eyes be damaging?

My first thought is that it's always the best policy simply to not stare into any light sources.

It is unlikely that you are going to cause damage to someone's eyes by accidentally, or momentarily, shining it into their eyes. L.E.D. flashlights are more powerful than incadescent ones, but they are still generally safer than laser pointers. The reason for this is that the beam from a laser pointer will focus to a smaller spot on your retina than the beam from a flashlight. (Technically speaking, the laser pointer is a point source, the flashlight is an extended source.)

I hope that answer restores peace to your family.