System and method of intrastromal refractive correction. The system includes a laser source operable to produce a pulsed beam, a scanner operable to direct the pulsed beam at the eye, and a controller coupled to the laser source and the scanner. The controller determines an intrastromal incision pattern based on a refractive condition of an eye, and directs the scanner to intrastromally incise the pattern in an applanated cornea with the pulsed beam. Following de-applanation, the cornea is reshaped in response to the intrastromal incision pattern to correct the refractive condition.
