Abstract: Optical glass has a high degree of transparency, uniformity, and accurate light control ability that is widely used in various imaging systems. However, environmental factors can damage the thermal, optical, electrical, and mechanical properties and surface topography of optical glasses during their long-term service, resulting in a decline in service life or even failure. There is currently a lack of general research theory, research methods, and evaluation mechanisms for the performance degradation of optical glasses under natural environmental conditions. This paper conducted literature research and analysis on optical glass composition, corrosion mechanism, characterization means, and environmental adaptability evaluation mechanisms; discussed the commonalities of optical glass composition elements, corrosion processes, research methods, and natural environmental factors; and summarized the main chemical reactions involved in optical glasses under natural environmental conditions. The differences between artificial aging and natural environmental tests are highlighted, and the commonly used characterization methods for optical glasses under environmental test conditions are summarized. Finally, we proposed an evaluation mechanism for the environmental adaptation of optical glasses.