Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the integral optical examination of damaging mechanical stresses arising in the bottom-part of bottles and hollow glasswares. In accordance with the process the bottom-part of the glasses/bottles/is illuminated with a light bundle from the mouth, the cross-sectional intensity distribution is controlled by the aid of a light bundle with predetermined angle of aperture, with the integral optical system the bottom is illuminated with a light with quasi-homogeneous intensity. The passing light is modulated and led into the photodetector, the signal of which is analysed through a band-filter. The invention includes the apparatus for the implement of the process according to the invention. The apparatus has a laser (1), a laser bundle (2) emitted therefrom, a polar filter (3), connected with a light-chopper (4), a bundle stretcher consisting of the collecting lenses (5,6), the diaphragm (8), a polar filter (14) and the photodetector (15).