Optical properties of PbS quantum dots (QDs) precipitated inside the oxide glass matrix were investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were recorded with peak wavelengths located at 1170-1680 nm with peak width of 150-500 nm. Radii of QDs in glasses were 2.0-3.7 nm depending upon the thermal treatment conditions. Changes in temperatures and excitation intensities resulted in the shift of photoluminescence bands as large as 70 nm, due to the laser-induced local heating. Photoluminescence from PbS QDs showed darkening and brightening behavior. Intensity of the photoluminescence increased with time at low temperature (< 150 K) especially when the excitation intensity was low. Photo-darkening was observed when temperature and/ or illumination intensities increased. Competition between the photo-brightening and photo-darkening determined the final steady-state photoluminescence intensity.