Eye issues

I realize people with Ibd have eye issues. What I seem to notice is dry water eyes that feel sort of irritated and a little red. Not totally inflamed but noticeable. Also have eye floaters. Is this common?

Sounds like dry eye syndrome which is common for IBD'ers. You can try Systane or any other artificial tears. I've had Dry Eye syndrome for many years and eventually I had to go on prescription Restasis. As for floaters, everybody has them. It's common even in healthy people. Floaters are usually not noticeable because we tend to ignore them unless the eyes start having troubles. We just notice it more.

I have experienced this recently too, thought it was allergies (Florida) but nope.
Someone here told me there are vitamin supplements that can help and I've gotten some benefit from folate 500 mg (not folic acid).

Here is a link for more info from an eye doc FWIW.
http://www.visioncareprofessional.com/emails/managingdryeye/newsletter1.asp

From Keith's link:

about 10 percent of people with IBD have eye problems
...

DRY EYES

A deficiency in vitamin A may result in dry eyes (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS). This condition, which is caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation, may then lead to eye infection and irritation such as itching and burning. If the infection becomes severe, antibiotics may be necessary. Another possible consequence may be night blindness. Artificial tears provide relief of symptoms. Vitamin A supplements, taken either orally or given as intramuscular injection, can correct the deficiency.

I've always had floaters. As a kid they were there, but nothing more than mildly annoying.

Over the course of my early twenties they became more and more noticeable. They're not just those colorful/transparent little pieces anymore, but long dark stringy things too. Sometimes I actually have to "flick" my eye one way and back if one of them settles in the center when I'm trying to look at something with important small details, or something bright. The doctors never took me seriously and said they were normal.

For a long while spending time outside in clear weather was extremely annoying and saddening. You get used to it after enough time. It is what it is. The most they'll affect me these days is a sigh when trying to enjoy a beautiful day or view.

But yes, to answer your question, I was recently diagnosed with UC. I can't know for sure since like I said the doctors never took the issue seriously, but I doubt it's a coincidence.