Abstract: Methods of detection, prognosis and diagnosis of the presence or absence of optineurin-associated glaucoma or of an optineurin-associated increased risk of glaucoma are described, in which a sample is tested for the presence of certain sequence alterations in the gene, optineurin, that are associated with glaucoma or with an increased risk of glaucoma, as are methods in which a sample is tested for the presence of alterations in expression of the optineurin polypeptide, as well as methods in which a sample is tested for the presence of alterations in optineurin polypeptide expression or activity. Also described are methods of therapy of glaucoma, utilizing optineurin therapeutic agents.