The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for widespread use of personal protective equipment have drawn attention to the emerging problem of dry eye disease associated with prolonged wearing of a protective mask (MADE – “Mask-Associated Dry Eye”). Several factors, including unnatural airflow, hypercapnic stress, inflammation, and low air humidity, contribute to the formation and progression of MADE. Research results indicate a negative impact on the eye surface due to wearing protective masks, the symptoms of which include dryness and irritation of the eyes, blurred vision, shortened tear film breakdown time, the presence of inflammatory markers, and corneal hyperalgesia. Understanding the mechanisms and symptoms of MADE is important to develop effective preventive strategies to protect long-term mask users from developing or progressing dry eye disease. In the context of potential future pandemics that may necessitate the use of masks, further research is needed to better understand this condition.