This work reports on the microstructural modifications produced by nanosecond ultraviolet ablation in neodymium doped lithium niobate crystals. The neodymium ions have been used as optical probes to determine the extension and nature of the modified bulk material. From micro-luminescence experiments we have been able to determine the spatial distribution of the UV ablation induced material densification, local disorder and defect creation. Results have been compared to those previously obtained from femtosecond irradiated lithium niobate crystals.