The difference between slow dilation and fast dilation is the difference in the medication used, the purpose of dilation, the use of the pupil and the speed of pupil recovery.
Fast dilation uses tropicamide drops, which are used once every 10 minutes and can be used after 40 minutes, while slow dilation uses atropine drops, which need to be used for three consecutive days before an eye examination can be performed.
The purpose and use of pupil dilation is different. Slow dilation is recommended for children suspected of having amblyopia and for children having their first optometric examination, while fast dilation is recommended for general myopia patients’ optometric examination. The speed of pupil recovery is different. Pupils can be recovered within 8 hours after the fast pupil dilation test, while the slow pupil dilation takes more than 2 weeks to recover.
It is recommended that patients who need to dilate their pupils should consult a regular eye clinic in a timely manner and dilate their pupils under the guidance of a professional doctor to avoid unauthorized use of medication that may cause eye discomfort.