An analysis of light‐induced refractive‐index changes (``optical damage'') has been carried out for paraelectric electro‐optic crystals. The results are compared with experimental data taken on several KTN crystals. Both the spatial extent and temporal variations of optical damage are accurately determined by the theory for all crystals tested. The rate at which optical damage occurs can be used to determine the product of absorption, mobility, and lifetime for the material.