The liquid crystal optical devices that are used in fusion ignition, optoelectronic countermeasure, laser radar, and laser communication encounter a performance failure that can be attributed to the near-infrared high-power laser irradiation. In this study, the basic constituent components and working principle of the liquid crystal optical devices are initially introduced. Subsequently, the laser damage characteristics and mechanisms of the conductive film, alignment film, and liquid crystal material, which are the main constituent components of the liquid crystal optical devices, are reviewed. Finally, the laser damage characteristics and mechanisms of the whole liquid crystal optical under the radiation of near-infrared laser are summarized.