The present invention provides a method for treating dry eye condition in an individual comprising administrating to said individual an amount of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist, the amount being effective to ameliorate symptoms of dry eye in the individual. In accordance with one embodiment, the dry eye condition is manifested by one or more ophthalmologic clinical symptoms selected from foreign body sensation, burning, itching, irritation, redness, eye pain, blurred vision, degraded vision and excessive tearing. A preferred A3RAg in accordance with the invention is N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5′-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA).