XBB1.1.16, or Arcturus, is the latest COVID-19 variant. Here's what to know about this pink eye-causing strain—and how to avoid it.

How does COVID cause pink eye? Pink eye is when the thin layer of the cells covering your eyes is inflamed. This happens when there’s an infection, exposure to chemicals or allergens, Belkos said.

How does COVID cause pink eye? Pink eye is when the thin layer of the cells covering your eyes is inflamed. This happens when there’s an infection, exposure to chemicals or allergens, Belko said.

But these symptoms aren’t new to COVID, nor does the subvariant appear to be associated with severe disease, Belko said. “Since the beginning of the pandemic COVID has been known to cause eye ...