Fused silica optics are highly susceptible to rear-surface damage under irradiation by ultraviolet pulsed laser with high energy density,which seriously affects the reliability of high-power ultraviolet pulsed laser facilities. Comprehensively analyzing the related research progress in China and abroad, this paper systematically expounds the damage characteristics of the surface of fused silica optics under high-energy ultraviolet pulsed laser irradiation, including typical initial damage and characteristics of damage growth behaviors. Subsequently, it outlines the types and distribution characteristics of the defects on the surface of fused silica optics, and the intrinsic mechanism of damage induced by ultraviolet pulsed laser. Then, commonly used surface processing methods and defect control technologies for fused silica are summarized. Finally, an overview of the research progress on new non-destructive detection technologies for defects on the surface of fused silica and damage-resistant performance testing technologies is presented.