Cataracts,Comprehensive Eye,Uncategorized

The North Texas sun may brighten your day, but it could also be making your cataracts worse. It’s important for our patients to know that UV exposure is one of the few preventable factors known to speed up cataract progression, particularly in sunny climates like ours.

If you’re waiting to have cataract surgery, you should know the risks, and the options. At Sweeney Eye Associates, our board-certified team led by Dr. Patrick Sweeney offers advanced solutions designed to restore clear vision with precision and care.

Sunlight & Cataracts: What the Science Says

Cataracts are caused by the natural aging of the eye’s lens, but UV radiation—especially UVB rays—can accelerate this process.

Studies confirm:

  • UV exposure increases oxidative stress on the lens, breaking down proteins and causing cloudiness.
  • Outdoor workers and individuals in sun-heavy regions like North Texas are more prone to early cataract development.
  • The World Health Organization lists UV radiation as a major environmental risk factor for cataracts.

If you spend time outdoors without UV protection, your cataracts may worsen faster than expected.

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Meet Dr. Patrick Sweeney: Texas Cataract Expert

Patients across North Texas trust Dr. Patrick Sweeney for his surgical precision, compassionate care, and consistent results. He leads our cataract surgery program and performs procedures at our state-of-the-art Beltline Surgery Center in Sunnyvale.

Dr. Sweeney uses laser-assisted cataract surgery and offers premium lens implants to help patients regain sharp, vibrant vision—often correcting distance, intermediate, and near vision in one step.

Why patients choose Dr. Sweeney:

  • Board-certified ophthalmologist with decades of experience
  • Expertise in light-adjustable lenses and premium IOLs
  • 5-star patient reviews for both clinical excellence and bedside manner
  • A track record of restoring sight to patients who thought they had to live with blurry vision

What You Can Do (Even If You’re Not Ready for Surgery)

If you’re not ready for cataract surgery just yet, here are steps you can take now to protect your vision:

  • Wear polarized sunglasses with full UV protection (UVA + UVB)
  • Choose wide-brimmed hats when outdoors
  • Eat eye-healthy foods rich in antioxidants (like leafy greens, citrus, and fish)
  • Avoid smoking, which accelerates lens clouding
  • Keep up with regular eye exams so changes in vision are caught early

But once vision begins interfering with your life—driving, reading, or recognizing faces—it’s time to consider your surgical options.

Why Our Surgery Experience Stands Out

At Sweeney Eye Associates, we’ve designed every step of the cataract surgery experience to deliver comfort, safety, and results:

  • Custom lens selection to match your lifestyle needs
  • No-stitch, no-patch surgery performed in under 20 minutes
  • Local care at our Beltline Surgery Center—no need to travel far
  • Outstanding reviews from patients who are thrilled with their sight

Top 5 Cataract FAQs

If you’re squinting, struggling with glare, or avoiding night driving, it’s worth scheduling a cataract consultation. Cataracts worsen gradually, but often faster with UV exposure. Want to learn more: Cataracts: When to Monitor and When It’s Time for Surgery

Yes. Scientific research shows that sunlight can accelerate the breakdown of the proteins in your eye’s lens, speeding cataract growth.

Laser-assisted surgery improves precision, especially when implanting advanced lenses that correct vision at multiple distances. Read more.

No. Our procedures are performed at Beltline Surgery Center, a comfortable outpatient facility dedicated to eye surgery.

Yes, standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Premium lens options are available for an added out-of-pocket cost but we do have financing available.


Don’t Wait—Act Now to Protect Your Vision

Delaying cataract surgery may mean more rapid vision loss—especially under the Texas sun. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been monitoring cataracts for a while, Dr. Sweeney and our expert team are here to guide you with honesty, compassion, and advanced care.