A system for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the system is computer-controlled to create symmetrical cuts in the stroma relative to a defined axis of the eye. Importantly, these cuts are all distanced from the axis. The actual location and number of cuts in the surgery will depend on the degree of visual aberration being corrected. Further, the system may create different types of cuts in the stroma. For example, the symmetrical cuts (by type) may include cylindrical, radial or annular layer cuts. The different type cuts may be intersecting or non-intersecting depending on the visual aberration being treated.