The system provides an arcuate shot pattern to an eye for reducing astigmatism induced from cataract therapy. The system comprises a therapeutic laser for producing a laser beam and optics for receiving the laser beam and directing it to an eye. An arcuate shot pattern having a depth of about less than or equal to a thickness of a cornea is generated. The laser system provides arcuate cuts in a manner that does not disrupt an epithelium of the eye and reduces induced astigmatism.
