Optic nerve swelling may cause eye pain. Steroids are often used to treat optic nerve swelling through IV treatment. Multiple sclerosis can cause optic nerve swelling. Ocular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed.Optic neuritis can result in vision loss that runs the gamut from mild to severe. Symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain.Hypothyroidism is a potential cause of optic nerve swelling.cular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed. Optic neuritis can result in vision loss that runs the gamut from mild to severe. Symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain. Hypothyroidism is a potential cause of optic nerve swelling.