You mean blepharitis? Yes, it's real but it seems no one knows what really causes it. According to the Mayo Clinic website, for example:
"The exact cause of blepharitis isn't clear. It may be associated with one or more factors, including:
Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
A bacterial infection
Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids
Rosacea — a skin condition characterized by facial redness
Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup
Eyelash mites or lice"I have been experiencing this for years, without knowing what it was. Finally someone in my eye doctor's office told me and suggested washing my eyelids with baby shampoo. (I read the list of ingredients and can't believe I ever used it on my babies. I certainly don't want to rub it into my eyes on a daily basis.) For the past few years I have been treating it with eyelid wipes (I use Systane brand) and it seems to be helpful in keeping it under control. The ingredients likely aren't any better than the baby shampoo but it's much more convenient, although somewhat pricey. I've also been told to use warm compresses on my eyelids but it is a bit of a pain because they have to be different ones each time to control infection risk and they do pile up between wash days
I did that early on until I got through the "crisis" stage of red, puffy looking margins and then I stopped. I also change my pillowcase every day. Blepharitis is kind of a hobby these days.