Current Global Bioethical Dilemmas in Corneal Transplantation
Andrea Córdoba, Luis Fernando Mejía, Mark J. Mannis, Alejandro Navas, José André Madrigal-Bustamante, Enrique O Graue-Hernández
Abstract
PURPOSE: To analyze some of the bioethical dilemmas that may arise during the process required for corneal transplantation. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review based on the available literature and the experience of cornea specialists from 3 different countries. RESULTS: Bioethical dilemmas related to informed consent for organ and tissue donation, allocation of corneal tissues, transplant tourism, corneal tissue exportation and importation, and for-profit eye banking were analyzed and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Around the world, the number of required corneal transplants exceeds the number of donated corneas that are available and suitable for transplantation. This shortage of corneal tissue has led to the emergence of practices that may put the 4 basic principles of bioethics at risk: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Therefore, it has been necessary to create ethical guidelines such as the Barcelona Principles and the World Health Organization Principles of Transplantation that attempt to regulate these practices.