What is a disadvantage of soft contact lenses compared to GP lenses?

The focus on soft contact lenses reveals that they often provide a different visual acuity than gas-permeable (GP) lenses. Soft contact lenses are generally more compliant and conform to the shape of the cornea, which can sometimes result in optical distortion, especially if the lenses are not properly fitted. In contrast, GP lenses maintain their shape on the eye, often allowing for sharper and clearer vision due to their rigid structure, which provides a consistent refractive surface.

Thus, when comparing the visual performance, sharpness of vision can indeed be less with soft lenses, particularly for individuals with astigmatism or other refractive errors, where the stability of the lens is critical for optimal vision. While other factors such as risk of infection are certainly considerations, the primary disadvantage specifically regarding visual acuity highlights the differences in lens types effectively.