A series of Er-doped silicate glasses is prepared by a conventional melting method under normal processing conditions, and the effects of gamma-ray radiation on absorption and emission properties of all samples are investigated. The radiation-induced darkening causes a strong broad optical absorption band that has a maximum around 400 nm and extends to the near infrared region. The point defects generated in the silicate matrix by irradiation around the Er3+ ion favor the activation of non-radiative relaxation channels thus modifying the photoluminescence quantum efficiency from specific excited levels, such as those emitting at 520 and 650 nm. Photobleaching effects are observed in Er-doped silicate glasses pumped by 980 nm LD at room temperature.