Provided are compositions and methods for treating ptosis comprising long acting and short acting alpha adrenergic receptor agonists. In an embodiment oxymetazoline (a long acting alpha adrenergic receptor agonist) is used for the treatment of ptosis. In a second embodiment a combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine (a short acting alpha adrenergic receptor agonist) is used for the treatment of ptosis. In a third embodiment a pharmaceutical composition comprising oxymetazoline and phenylephrine is provided.