Purpose <p>The onset and progression of myopia can occur during adulthood, suggesting that myopia should be managed in young adults. Low-concentration atropine eye drops have shown promising efficacy in myopia control. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine eye drops on the visual performance of university students.</p> Methods <p>Twenty-six myopic students aged 18–30 years received 0.01% and 0.05% atropine in random order. Atropine eye drops were administered once a night in both eyes for 14 days, with a minimum 14-day washout period between concentrations. Visual assessments, including the modulation transfer function (MTF) cut-off, Strehl ratio (SR), objective scattering index, contrast sensitivity (CS) and glare disability, were conducted 1, 2, 7 and 14 days after atropine administration and corresponding time points after cessation. A questionnaire was used to evaluate ocular and general symptoms.</p> Results <p>After 1 day of treatment with 0.05% atropine, the MTF cut-off (<i>β</i> = −8.75, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and SR (<i>β</i> = −0.05, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) decreased significantly to their lowest levels. The area under the log CS function also decreased significantly (all <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) during administration of the 0.05% eye drops, especially in the mesopic with glare condition, and reached its lowest point 1 day after administration (<i>β</i> = −0.20, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). However, all parameters returned to baseline levels 2 weeks after 0.05% atropine was stopped (all <i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). Additionally, 40.91% of the young adults reported experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness and nocturnal glare during 0.05% atropine use. Treatment with 0.01% atropine had minimal effects on both visual performance and subjective symptoms.</p> Conclusions <p>Administration of 0.05% atropine had a significant but temporary effect on the visual performance of young adult myopic patients, whereas 0.01% atropine had a minimal effect.</p>