No real worry with the laser unless your eye is in direct line with it any way, you can see it without being directly over it. Since you have alreadu gotten your PS2 apart and back together OK why don't you try and buy yourself some time on this laser by giving it a little power boost. You can find a guide called "Recalibrating your PS2 Laser" and one that tells you how to change the laser in the FAQS section at
www.PS2NEWZ.net You may have to register but there is alot of good info on this forum.