DENVER -- A dangerous fungal infection is spreading across the country right now.

It's called fusarium and it attacks the eyes, potentially blinding you.

Doctors are warning everyone to be careful, but especially those who wear contacts.

Alison Bregman-Rodriguez, who wears contacts, said she came home from work one day and knew something was really wrong.

“The pain was excruciating, I felt like lightning was in and out of my eye,” said Bregman-Rodriguez.

Fusarium has been traced to Asia, and now doctors at one eye clinic in the United States are reporting nearly two dozen cases in just the past three months. Nearly half of the cases involve contact wearers. Previously most eye doctors would treat just one or two cases per year, and almost never in people who wore contacts.

“We're puzzled, we don’t know why some are getting the infection and other patients are not,” said Dr. Eduardo Alfonso of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

The fungus grows within the cornea, which is the transparent window covering the eye. If the infection isn’t treated with anti-fungal drugs quickly, it can cause permanent eye damage, and even blindness.

Bregman-Rodriguez lost her vision for about a month due to the fungus, but did regain her eyesight. Unfortunately she has permanent scarring and vows never to wear contacts again. She says glasses are now her best friend.

The alarming spread of this eye fungus has experts baffled. If you have any concerns about your eyes, you are advised to see your eye care professional immediately.