We present the birefringence measurements induced in K9 specimen by cracks produced by 1 064-nm Nd:YAG laser. The birefringence data are converted into units of stress, permitting the estimation of residual stress near cracks. The laser parameters and characterization of the optical material influence the value of residual stress. Residual stress in optical materials can affect fracture; thus, this factor should be considered in any formulation that involves enhanced damage resistance of optical components used in laser-induced damage experiments. The probability of the initial damage and the direction of the energy dissipation in cracks determine the residual stress distribution. Moreover, thermal-stress coupling enlarges the asymmetry of residual stress distribution. Therefore, the physical mechanism of asymmetric damage is useful for understanding the nature of optical materials under high-power laser irradiation.